William Garnet Shires
March 8, 1943 – August 25, 2025
William Garnet Shires of Roanoke, Virginia passed away Monday, August 25, 2025, after a long illness. Bill was born March 8, 1943 in Martinsville, Virginia. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Carolyn Willard Shires of the home; and one son, William Andy Shires of Franklin County.
Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Caroline Shires; father, Garnet Shires of Rocky Mount, Virginia; one son, Jimmy Sturgill III; and brother-in-law, Calvin W. Willard.
Bill graduated from Franklin County High School in 1961, where he played football. He attended Ferrum College for a short time, where he also played football and transferred to East Tennessee State University graduating with a degree in Environmental Health. Bill was also a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
Bill pursued a career working with the Virginia State Health Department, Environmental Health Services division in Southside Virginia. Bill was instrumental in bringing sanitation inspections to Smith Mountain Lake.
After Bill retired from the state, he explored a second career as a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home services of Smith Mountain Lake, working for 21 years.
Bill’s friendliness was his success, he enjoyed his many clients and camaraderie with his fellow realtors who he admired dearly.
Bill loved Franklin County and all his friends, he enjoyed getting together once a month to reminisce about past events and old days. Bill said many times he grew up in the best era and held special memories of Rocky Mount.
Bill is survived by his brother-in-law, Ronald L. Willard (Kris); sister-in-law, Betty Willard Robinson (Leo); and sister-in-law, Brenda Willard; nieces and nephews, Dwayne Robinson (Jodie), Ronald L. Willard II (Sara), Walter L. Willard II, Kimberly Willard, Heather Montgomery (Brandon). Bill was blessed to have many great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at Flora Funeral Chapel, 665 S. Main Street, Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151 on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Liz Lazenby officiating. His family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment in the Dillon, McGuire, Willard Memorial Gardens will follow the service.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Franklin County Historical Society or to the Franklin County SPCA.
Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount, Virginia.
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