Gainesville - William "Bill" Thomas Shaffer III died peacefully on December 26, 2025 at his home surrounded by loving family after a courageous struggle with cancer. He was 81. The oldest of three children, Bill was born July 10, 1944 in Allegheny Township, Pennsylvania to William Thomas Shaffer Jr. and Evelyn Rae Johnson but lived most of his childhood in Ingram, PA in a home he helped his family build.

A proud veteran, Bill served two periods of honorable duty in The United States Air Force, where he was stationed in Japan, Italy, Germany, England, and the United States. He earned a bachelor's degree in resource management from Troy State University in Alabama. Additionally, during his career in the U.S. Air Force, he attended numerous educational and managerial courses, graduated from the Electronic Security Commands NCO Academy and earned several awards and distinctions in his field. Over the course of a distinguished military career, Bill rose to the rank of Technical Sergeant before retiring from the Air Force in December 1985. He later joined the civil service, where he retired in resource management as a GS-13.

Bill loved to travel throughout his life, both in his career and with his wife, Becky, and he shared his love for travel with his family, taking all his children and grandchildren on cruises. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he held several lay ministry positions in his local congregation, including five years as Bishop in the San Angelo 1st ward. He loved his wife, and he loved his family and found joy in making them happy.

Bill is survived by his wife Rebecca "Becky" Eileen Shaffer; his children, Michelle Richardson (grandchild Nathan) and Angela Shaffer (grandchildren Alex and Gabriel); his former wife, Marianne Shaffer; his four stepchildren, Christina Pape (husband Pete, and grandchildren Cassadi, Cammi and Jaron, and great-grandchild Mia), Stephen Stephens (wife Amy, and grandchildren Sonora, Sydnie, Isaac, Stefani and Lilyan), Joey Stephens (wife Candy, and grandchildren Madison, Desiree and Joey), and Kyle Stephens (wife Victoria, and grandchildren Fox, Ryker, Bellamy, Everly, Hollis and Sutton); and his sister, Kathie Rae Shaffer. He is preceded in death by his parents, William Thomas Shaffer Jr. and Evelyn Rae Johnson; his brother, Richard Lloyd Shaffer; and his grandchild, Sophia Stephens.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation at George J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home, 602 Lindsay St, Gainesville, TX, on Sunday, December 28, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at George J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home on Monday, December 29 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your charity of preference. You may register condolences online at www.geojcarroll.com.