October 30, 1936 – January 21, 2022
Bill A. Shirron, 85 of Benton, died on January 21, 2022 in Benton, Arkansas. He was born in Sparkman, Arkansas on October 30, 1936 to Guy and Lula B. Shirron. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy Shirron. He is survived by his children: Jim (Lori) Shirron of Prescott, Arkansas, John (Paula) Shirron of Cabot, Arkansas, and Ann (J) Clark of Bryant, Arkansas, and his grandchildren: Mallori Williams, Gabe Shirron, Patrick Shirron, Caleb Shirron, Katie Shirron, Samantha Clark, and Emily Clark.
Bill attended Henderson State University from 1955-58. He was Henderson’s first three-time All-AIC basketball player from 1956-1958. He was inducted into the Henderson State Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. After he graduated from HSU in 1958 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Reserves, Bill attended the University of Tennessee. There he earned a Master’s Degree in Education.
In 1962, Bill became Emmet High School’s basketball coach. He went on to serve as principal and Superintendent there.
From 1966 to 1986 Bill served as counselor, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent of Prescott Public Schools. After leaving Prescott he joined the Arkansas Department of Education where he worked from 1986-1988. He became the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System Director from 1988-2002. During his time, he pioneered the “28 and out” and T-Drop Benefit for Arkansas educators. He was awarded the HSU Distinguished Alumni honor in December of 2000.
Bill loved hunting, fishing, jogging, golfing, and gardening. He spent the majority of his time during his retirement in the church kitchen cooking at Salem United Methodist Church. He and his family spent many meaningful times under the Tabernacle at Ben Few Campground near Princeton, Arkansas
Visitation will be Saturday, January 29th from 8 to 10 a.m. at Salem United Methodist Church with services starting at 10 a.m. Graveside services will follow in Sparkman, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers please consider sending donations to Tyler Harrison c/o Ben Few Campground, 320 Prospect Park Loop, Bryant, AR., 72022
Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com