William Sandefur Shadrach Jr.

William Sandefur Shadrach Jr., 90, passed away October 20, 2016. Mr. Shadrach ("Bill") is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy (Klein) Shadrach; three sons, William S. Shadrach III, L. Stephen Shadrach and wife Carol, and Scott A. Shadrach and wife Karen. He also leaves behind twelve grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. He was born October 4, 1926 in Fort Smith, the son of William Sandefur Shadrach, Sr. and Virginia (Hall) Shadrach. The family moved to Dallas where Bill grew up and graduated from Highland Park High in 1944. He was an excellent athlete and placed 2nd in the Texas State Relays pole vaulting event. After serving aboard a ship in the US Navy in WWII he returned to Dallas and attended SMU, joining the SAE fraternity. He met his wife, Dorothy ("Dot") Klein, at SMU and they married February 25, 1949 at Highland Park Presbyterian Church. Bill and Dot were lifelong best friends and he loved her with all his heart. Bill spent 30 years working for Republic Steel Corporation, beginning as a salesman, and Assistant Sales Manager. An avid golfer, he was a longtime member of Braeburn Country Club in Houston, and Dallas Athletic Club. He and Dot traveled during their retirement, playing the best known golf courses across the US. Bill accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, and for the past 20 years Bill and Dot were active members of the Good News Class with Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas and most recently, regularly attended Central United Methodist Church of Fayetteville. Bill loved raising his three sons, and was a very involved father. He coached YMCA youth football, was a leader in Indian Guides with his sons, and never missed one school or sporting event of theirs. He was proud of his oldest son, Bill, III, who received a scholarship to play football at Rice and on to a successful marketing career; his son Steve received Masters and Doctoral theology degrees and leads an international Christian organization; and Scott, who followed him into the sales profession and love of golf. Bill was a wonderful grandfather and great-grandfather. Known as "Poppa" by all his grandchildren, he loved spending time with them. He was always interested in their activities and ready to offer advice when needed. Whether it was coloring contests, flying kites, or model airplanes, he was always fun loving, an active listener, and a great encourager to his grandchildren. Bill and Dot had many lifelong friendships in Dallas and Houston, most of whom called him "Shad". They were socially active, including memberships in dance and bridge clubs, and enjoyed traveling with friends. Trips to Colorado, Hawaii, Mexico, and Europe held especially fond memories. To celebrate Bill's life, a funeral service will be held for family and friends Saturday, October 29th at 3 p.m. at the Wildwood Chapel at Restland Memorial Park. Memorial gifts may be made in Bill's honor to Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas or the Willard Walker Hospice in Fayetteville.