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Celebrating the life of
William D. "Bill" Sheils
Passed away on May 24, 2019
Bill retired and found his greatest success in life as a loving and proud Grandpa.
William David (Bill) Sheils died surrounded by his loving family on May 24th, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Savannah, GA.
Bill was born in Eau Claire, WI, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor's degree in business. He was a lifelong Green Bay Packer fan and was the founder of the Packer Prayer Group (PPG).
He proudly served his country as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps from April 1954 to April 1956. He was an elite member of the Remington Raiders.
Bill earned his Master’s Degree in Business Management from Stevens Institute of Technology.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Viola and David Sheils and brothers, Thomas and David.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, JoAnne M. Sheils and 6 children, Kathy Stallings (Tom), Houston, TX; Mike Sheils (Pat), Ashland, WI; Mary Ziegler (Brad), Brooklet, GA; Colleen Hankins (Pete), Snellville, GA; Carolyn Diaz (Carlos) and Anne Sheehan (Jimmy) both from Savannah, GA; 16 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren and his dog Harry.
After many successful years in the shipping industry, Bill retired and found his greatest success in life as a loving and proud Grandpa.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, May 29th at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, Savannah.
As Bill was a dog lover, in lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations be made to the Humane Society for Greater Savannah, 7215 Sallie Mood Dr., Savannah, GA 31406.
JoAnn and family I’m so sorry to hear of Mr Sheils passing we thought so much of him and always looked forward to being with your family. He had a great personality and I pray God will wrap his arms around each one of you and JoAnn especially you. We would be there but Dale had surgery today again for his heart. We love each one of you and hope to see you again soon
- Marie White, Savannah, Ga
So sorry to hear about Mr Shields passing. He was a great boss and was well respected. Enjoyed working for him at TFL. Helen Jones
- Helen Jones, Savanna , Ga
Simply the Man that I admired the most! A true leader of men and a cornerstone in a then rapidly expanding container shipping industry. His memory is permanently etched in my mind and I think of "Mr. Sheils" every day... No doubt, Lombardi has a seat waiting for Bill at the Green Bay Packers Table along with the O Linemen, between his childhood hero Buford "Baby" Ray and his contemporary Fuzzy Thurston. Bill is truely in heaven and most likely practicing his three point stance with Baby and Fuzzy! Elgin Pallay
- Elgin Pallay, Corona, Ca
The Sheils family have been wonderful neighbors and are like a second set of grandparents to my girls. My daughter, Roxie have always enjoyed spending time with Bill and JoAnne, and loved walking Molly and Harry. Thank you so much, Bill for all your kindness, encouraging words, and pearls of wisdom. We will miss you!
- Tracy, Geia, Roxie & Ava Waters, Savannah , GA
Anne & Sheils Family, So sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time! May the Lord give you and your family comfort, strength and peace in your time loss. Dana Pounder Adams & Family
- Dana Adams, Whitsett, NC
Thinking of you all at this sad time. I share your feelings of loss. Love, Anne
- Anne McElroy, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
Thank You for the Special Visit we had down in Georgia. The Family will never forget the good time we had. Also I appreciated having such a good brother-in-law that took care of my sister and the family. We will miss you. Say Hello to everybody up in heaven. Love your sister-in-law Carol.
- Carol Dachel and Family, Chippewa Falls, WI
Thank you for being such a wonderful grandfather to me and an even better one to my child. You meant the world to our family! I will forever cherish the memories!
- , ,
Sincere condolences. At TFL shipping Mr. Sheils hired me as his secretary and promoted me to oversee international documentation while the shipping lines had regional offices in Savannah. He was a model, no nonsense executive, but most of all an exemplary, devoted family man. May God bless him through eternity and bless his posterity always.
- Sandy Traub, Rincon, GA
Sending prayers and my deepest sympathy to the Sheils family. Sincerely, Annette Rock
- , ,
Love you Dad. Really gonna miss you. Thank you for everything, and for being an amazing grandfather to my children. We all love you
- Mary Ziegler , Brooklet , Ga
I have treasured teenage memories of hanging out in the Sheil’s home in Oakland. NJ., a home filled with much love and laughter, and at the helm, Mr. Sheils, a man with great tenderness, patience and devotion to all of his children. I always felt warm, full (thank you Mrs. Sheils :) ) and valued while in the Sheil’s home. One memory I have is during a sleepover, Colleen was upset in the middle of the night and Mr. Sheils came in to talk it over with her and help her through it, no matter that it was long after midnight. I remember thinking that I wanted to grow up to marry a man that would be as good a father as Mr. Sheils. I am honored to have known Mr. Sheils.
- Laura Ryan, Tenafly, NJ
A candle has been lit!
- Bridget Billard , Georg
JoAnn and family I’m so sorry to hear of Mr Sheils passing we thought so much of him and always looked forward to being with your family. He had a great personality and I pray God will wrap his arms around each one of you and JoAnn especially you. We would be there but Dale had surgery today again for his heart. We love each one of you and hope to see you again soon
- Marie White, Savannah, Ga
So sorry to hear about Mr Shields passing. He was a great boss and was well respected. Enjoyed working for him at TFL. Helen Jones
- Helen Jones, Savanna , Ga
Simply the Man that I admired the most! A true leader of men and a cornerstone in a then rapidly expanding container shipping industry. His memory is permanently etched in my mind and I think of "Mr. Sheils" every day... No doubt, Lombardi has a seat waiting for Bill at the Green Bay Packers Table along with the O Linemen, between his childhood hero Buford "Baby" Ray and his contemporary Fuzzy Thurston. Bill is truely in heaven and most likely practicing his three point stance with Baby and Fuzzy! Elgin Pallay
- Elgin Pallay, Corona, Ca
The Sheils family have been wonderful neighbors and are like a second set of grandparents to my girls. My daughter, Roxie have always enjoyed spending time with Bill and JoAnne, and loved walking Molly and Harry. Thank you so much, Bill for all your kindness, encouraging words, and pearls of wisdom. We will miss you!
- Tracy, Geia, Roxie & Ava Waters, Savannah , GA
Anne & Sheils Family, So sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time! May the Lord give you and your family comfort, strength and peace in your time loss. Dana Pounder Adams & Family
- Dana Adams, Whitsett, NC
Thinking of you all at this sad time. I share your feelings of loss. Love, Anne
- Anne McElroy, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
Thank You for the Special Visit we had down in Georgia. The Family will never forget the good time we had. Also I appreciated having such a good brother-in-law that took care of my sister and the family. We will miss you. Say Hello to everybody up in heaven. Love your sister-in-law Carol.
- Carol Dachel and Family, Chippewa Falls, WI
Thank you for being such a wonderful grandfather to me and an even better one to my child. You meant the world to our family! I will forever cherish the memories!
- , ,
Sincere condolences. At TFL shipping Mr. Sheils hired me as his secretary and promoted me to oversee international documentation while the shipping lines had regional offices in Savannah. He was a model, no nonsense executive, but most of all an exemplary, devoted family man. May God bless him through eternity and bless his posterity always.
- Sandy Traub, Rincon, GA
Sending prayers and my deepest sympathy to the Sheils family. Sincerely, Annette Rock
- , ,
Love you Dad. Really gonna miss you. Thank you for everything, and for being an amazing grandfather to my children. We all love you
- Mary Ziegler , Brooklet , Ga
I have treasured teenage memories of hanging out in the Sheil’s home in Oakland. NJ., a home filled with much love and laughter, and at the helm, Mr. Sheils, a man with great tenderness, patience and devotion to all of his children. I always felt warm, full (thank you Mrs. Sheils :) ) and valued while in the Sheil’s home. One memory I have is during a sleepover, Colleen was upset in the middle of the night and Mr. Sheils came in to talk it over with her and help her through it, no matter that it was long after midnight. I remember thinking that I wanted to grow up to marry a man that would be as good a father as Mr. Sheils. I am honored to have known Mr. Sheils.
- Laura Ryan, Tenafly, NJ
A candle has been lit!
- Laura Ryan , New Jers
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200