William Rayford "Bill" Shierling

William Rayford "Bill" Shierling, age 92, of St. Augustine, passed away on August 29, 2023 at the Bailey Family Center for Caring in St. Augustine, FL. Bill was born on December 17, 1930 in Loundes County, GA to parents William Leroy and Carol (Weldon) Shierling. He served in the US Air Force from 1950 to 1954. While stationed at Lewis McChord AFB in Tacoma, Washington, Bill met the love of his life, Valdi Hurst. Bill and Valdi married on December 9, 1952. Bill was a building contractor and spent many years working in housing maintenance with a private company doing work for the military. During those years Bill and Val raised a family of three children and lived in many locations across the country following Bill's career as a contractor. In 1971 the family relocated to Jacksonville Beach and in 1974 they made their home in St. Augustine. at the age of 65, Bill went back to school and studied horticulture and became certified as a master gardener. Bill was a member of First Baptist Church of Jacksonville Beach and served as Deacon and Training Union Director. He later became a member of Ancient City Baptist Church where he served as Deacon and Sunday School Director. Bill and Val were one of the Founding members of St. Augustine Baptist Church and was currently a member of Anastasia Church 16. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking and tending to his honey bees. More than anything Bill was a man of deep faith, a loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be deeply missed. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Valdi Lois "Val" Shierling; brothers, Roy Shierling, James Shierling, Julian Shierling, and Charles Shierling. He is survived by a daughter, Corinne Hill of Eustis, FL.; sons, Richard Shierling and his wife Marla of Jacksonville, Ronald Shierling and his wife Pamela of St. Augustine; grandchildren, Ronald Jr., Jeff, Allison, Justin, Sidney, Samuel & Jake; and 13 great grandchildren. A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday September 4, 2023 at St. Johns Family Funeral Home. A funeral service will take place at 11 am on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at St. Johns Family Funeral Home with Pastor Dan Ott officiating. Committal Services with military honors will take place at 11:30 am on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at Jacksonville National Cemetery. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

William Rayford "Bill" Shierling

December 17, 1930 - August 29, 2023