William Francis Shaw of McKinney, Texas passed away on January 3, 2020 at the age of 76. William passed peacefully in the comfort of his home and in the arms of his wife, Linda Jo Shaw, after a prolonged battle with heart failure over the past five years. William was born on August 22, 1943 to Allen Edward and Anne Christine (Van Mourik) Shaw in Summit, New Jersey. William married Linda Jo Gibson on May 5, 1969 (a date of mild contention) in Wichita, Kansas.
William proudly served his country during 2 tours of service in the United States Air Force, reaching an ultimate rank of Staff Sergeant before his honorable discharge. During this time, he also served with distinction on the Armed Forces Chess team. He played all over Europe, and at one point he achieved an international top 100 ranking, having practiced with players such as Bobby Fischer and culminating in a victory over Boris Spassky in an unofficial exhibition match. William also had an avid love for cinema and music that he cherished being able to share with his loved ones and family friends through an extensive collection he amassed over his lifetime.
Mr. Shaw is survived by his wife, Linda, and their six children and their families: Margaret Tara Shaw of Dallas, Texas; Bevin Kerith Bates of McKinney, Texas; Bryna Carew Salemi of Pasadena, Maryland and her two children, Tristan Adams and his Wife Melissa and Gabriel Adams; Brennan Liam Shaw and his wife Venise of McKinney, Texas and their three children, Katherine, Madalyn, and Liam; Tiernan Longarad Shaw and his wife Jacilyn of McKinney, Texas; Colin Strahan Shaw and his wife Kirby of McKinney, Texas and their daughter Harper; and numerous other family members and friends that he took in as his own blood and treated with the same love and compassion he did all of his immediate family members. William is preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Anne Shaw.
William was not an especially religious man; however, his belief in God had never shaken throughout the years, and he maintained a relationship with his faith even up to his final moments in his earthly body. Mr. Shaw never wished ill on another human being, and despite his rough exterior façade, the biggest secret he ever kept was just how much room he made in his heart to love and trust nearly every individual he ever met.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 9, 2020 at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church in McKinney, Texas and all that knew and loved William Shaw are welcome to attend to say goodbye and/or pay their respects to his immediate family. There will not be a viewing at this service.