William M. “Billy” Shinn Jr., 67, of Hayes, passed away on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, 2014, surrounded by his family.

He was a proud Marine having served in the Vietnam War earning a Purple Heart. He retired from civil service as a firefighter at Yorktown Weapons Station and Cheatham Annex. 

Billy was a friend to everyone he met and loved his family dearly. He loved to cook huge meals for any occasion, especially family gatherings. Through the years he enjoyed many hobbies to include mud bogging, antique tractors, miniature horses and military guns. Though he had many disabilities over the past few years, he never let anything slow him down. He was a dedicated member of the Marine Corps League Middle Peninsula Det. #1317 where he made many friends among his fellow Marines, and was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion and the Abingdon Ruritan Club. We will miss him dearly, but we will cherish the many great memories forever.

He was preceded in death by his father, William M. Shinn Sr.; sister, Brenda Shinn Williams, and step-father, Donald M. Bruette.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jean King Shinn; son, William M. “Marty” Shinn III and wife Maria; daughter, Lori Jean Shinn; mother, Martha Shinn Bruette; sister, Inez Boerner and husband Lee; brother-in-law, Carlton Williams; nieces, Christie Williams, Jamie Boerner; nephews, Brent Williams and wife Jamie, Daniel Boerner; uncle, Ed Junior Shinn and wife Cora of Salisbury, N.C.; aunts, Vernelle Jones, Frances Marie Worley and husband Charles; his canine companions, Ben and Joey, and a large host of cousins and extended family.

A funeral service with military honors, conducted by the Rev. Carol Bookwalter was held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 2014, at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point. Burial followed in Rosewell Memorial Garden Cemetery.  The family received friends Sunday from 4-5:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank the many home health nurses, doctors and the dialysis center that took such great care of Billy.

Contributions in Billy’s memory may be made to the Abingdon Volunteer Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 9, Bena, Va. 23018 or Bethlehem United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 185, Bena, Va. 23018.