William Earle Shortt

Sumter, SC… SMSgt (Retired) William Earle "Mr. Bill" Shortt, age 79, died on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at NHC HealthCare, Sumter, SC.

Mr. Shortt was born in Kansas City, Missouri and is predeceased in death by his wife of 58 years. Cynthia J.  Shortt, his mother, father and brother. He is survived by his sister and a brother. He is also survived by three daughters Shari, Carolyn and Norbeth and their spouses and seven grandchildren Joseph, Andrew, Sean, Kayla, Stellina, Enrique William and Elena.

Mr. Shortt was a proud member of the United States Air Force for 26 years as a draftsman.  He is credited for being the designer/originator of the eagle-head image that was displayed on the every tail of the F-15 planes stationed at Eglin AFB, FL.   

After his retirement he worked with people with disabilities by teaching them woodworking projects to help raise money for their school.  He worked for several years with Cutler Hammer Westinghouse as AUTOCAD operator for Circuit Breaker panel boxes.

 Mr. Shortt enjoyed watching and playing fast pitch softball, sign language, martial arts, golfing and watching old western and war movies, and dancing with his wife.  He was a devoted fan of South Carolina Gamecocks and anyone who beat Clemson.  "Mr Bill" served with his wife as devoted chaperones for 1990-1991 Hillcrest High School Marching band.   "Mr. Bill" served as the away game bus driver for the band.  He and his wife served as a proud members of the Disabled Veterans Association.   "Mr Bill" and his wife were well known in their neighborhood for many years as they sat on their front porch ensuring that the school children were safe getting on and off the school bus, watching the birds and talking/waving to the people as they walked by. 

"Mr. Bill" will certainly be missed for his kind heart and his military and community service.

Private Internment will be held in Fort Jackson, SC with a memorial service to be held at a later date. 

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

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