Shannon, William “Billy” George Jr. - It is with tremendous grief that we announce the unexpected passing of a wonderful man, William “Billy” George Shannon Jr. He was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, to parents William Shannon Sr. and Norma (McCoul) Shannon.
Billy was an exceptional father and grandfather who loved spending time with his family. He truly had the “gift of the gab” and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He made friends easily and left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
One of his greatest accomplishments was building his beloved home in Upper Stewiacke from the ground up. He was a man of many talents and was always “working” in the garage. He enjoyed puttering around the yard on his lawn mower, raking leaves, and experimenting with hobbies like woodworking, mechanics, racing, motorcycles, and being in his garage.
He was a proud volunteer firefighter with the Upper Stewiacke Fire Department for many years. In his younger years, he worked at Michelin Tire and ran the Petro-Canada station in Upper Stewiacke alongside his father. Adventurous by nature, Billy drove race cars and worked on the ice roads. Later in life, he became a long-haul truck driver and loved the freedom of the open road. He was a free spirit and a dreamer.
Billy attended vocational school at CEC for autobody but learned much of what he knew from his father and uncle George. He had a deep love for antique cars and was an avid NASCAR fan, idolizing Dale Earnhardt Sr.
He had a soft spot for sweets and could often be caught sneaking ice cream or pink peppermints, even though he was diabetic—just like a mischievous child. Billy could make something from nothing and was always ready to offer a solution, even if it wasn’t the most orthodox. He worked hard and always tried his best.
In his later years, Billy became the man he always wanted to be—happy and at peace. His eyes sparkled when he was surrounded by his children, wife, and grandchildren. He was fun to tease and always a good sport.
He loved having morning coffee and watching shows with popcorn at night with the love of his life, Angela. He shared a close bond with his son-in-law, Carter Hatfield, often found tinkering with cars and trucks together. He adored playing and cuddling with his beloved dog-granddaughter, Charlie and cherished being at the dinner table with family, especially with his pride and joy, his most recent grandchild, Eleanor.
A soft-spoken, good-natured man of few words, Billy has left a huge hole in our hearts. He was such a character and will be missed more than words can ever express.
Billy was predeceased by his parents, William Sr. and Norma Shannon.
He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Angela Shannon; children, Sarah and her children, Ashwin, Sebastian, Laila; Kyle (Amy) and their children, Logan, Chauntelle, Emma, Charlotte, Tyler, Kieran; Holly (Jake) and their daughter, Eleanor; Michaela (Carter); siblings, little brother, Johnny (Avis) and big sister, Marjorie (Gordon); nieces and nephews, Roger, Vicky, Laura, Danielle, Christian; along with many grandnieces and grandnephews.
A funeral service will be held on May 28 at 3 p.m. in Upper Stewiacke Fire Hall with Rev. Larry Harrison officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Eastville Cemetery, c/o 7651 Highway 289, Eastville, NS B0N 2P0 .
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