William “Bill” Arthur Shilling, 86, succumbed to cancer Friday, March 27, 2015 in Chickasha, Oklahoma. He was born to Arthur and Ruth “Ninnie” (Mason) Shilling on June 30, 1928 in Doyle, Oklahoma. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Irene Woods and Marie Neff.
Bill was married to Virginia Rutledge which preceded him in death; in this marriage a father/daughter bond with Cindy Rutledge Novotny was born. Bill and Cindy were not blood but they were as close as any father and daughter could be. He leaves behind Cindy and her family, son-in-law, Mark Novotny; grandsons, Kenny Novotny and wife, Amber of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Lt. Col. Charlie Novotny and wife, Laura of Okinawa, Japan; great-grandchildren, Mason, Elias, Keane, and Adley. He loved hearing all the grandkids’ stories and seeing their pictures, it was the highlight of his day.
Bill was also survived by a niece-in-law, Ellen Woods Kramer, of Edmond and great nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Bill started his career as a truck driver at the age of 18 in Walters, Oklahoma. He was drafted at the age of 22 into the US Army in February 1951, serving in the Korean War. Bill was discharged with an honorable discharge in September 1952. Bill was very proud to be a US Veteran.
Bill returned to Cyril after his military discharge to continue truck driving. He drove a gasoline tankard truck for APCO Oil in Cyril, Chickasha, and Oklahoma City for 15 years. Bill then started driving for Gibson Oil which was a job and a friendship with Elmo and Dorothy “Dinky” Gibson for 20 years. Bill retired from truck driving for two years, and then was approached by Cyril Grade School to drive a school bus, which lasted 11 years. He was known to all the kids as “Mr. Bill”.
Bill was also known as the Ford Man, he always drove white Ford Pick-ups. He also rode motorcycles for a while with several buddies. Every morning he would meet his “Cyril coffee shop buddies” for coffee and solving world issues.
After moving to the Sterling House in Chickasha he met a special friend, “Ann.” They would watch college football games together, she rooting for OU and him OSU, a fun time for both. They were also Thunder fans.
The family would like to send a “special” thanks to all the Lifeline Home Health and Hospice nurses and Brother Johnny Tims. A very, very special thanks to one aid that helped Bill for over 3 years, Julie. A special thanks to all the staff at The Sterling House. I, personally, would like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart, Cindy.
Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at the Ft. Sill National Cemetery in Elgin, Oklahoma on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. with Brother Johnny Tims officiating. Immediately following the memorial service Bill’s ashes will be scattered in the Memorial Scattering Grounds located inside the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the Wounded Warrior Project or any other charity of your choice.
Services and cremation arrangements are under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home.