William H. Shaw

William Shaw also known as (Willie, grandad, or Pops) was born to Henry Shaw and Otis Rene Benton Shaw on March 10, 1943 in Memphis, TN.  William was the second child of thirteen.  He moved to Chicago, IL at a young age when he met and married Thelma Moore.  To this union there were four children, William Jr., Cecilia, Zachary, and Venus.

He was educated at Booker T. Washington School in Memphis, TN where he graduated from Brewster Theological Seminary.  He was employed at Repubic Steel in Chicago, IL, and worked at Chrysler in Detroit, MI.  He accepted Christ at an early age.  He joined the church of God in Christ in Chicago, IL under the leadership of Rev. Timothy Longley.  In his later years he joined Grace City Family in Rock Island, IL, under the leadership of Pastor Dwight Ford.  He was into boxing for a short time, he loved singing, listening to music, and was a great dancer.  He was honored to stand in history, marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the March on Washington.  In his final years, he continued his servant’s heart through ministry, praise and worship at Fort Armstrong Nursing Home in Rock Island, IL, bringing comfort and encouragement to many.

On February 21st, 2026 God decided to take another angel.  You fought a hard fight, and our hearts weren’t prepared to let you go.  Love is a many splendored thing.  He was welcomed into eternal rest by his parents Henry and Otis Rene Shaw, Wanda Yvette Salley Parham, Telida Oschelle Salley Mason, Robert Clifford Shaw, Claude Louis Benton Sr., Joyce Ann Shaw, Jacqueline Marie Cathey, his father-in-law Thurman Moore, and his beloved granddaughter Yolanda Strong.

He leaves to carry on his legacy, his wife Thelma Moore Shaw of Rock Island, IL; his four children: William Shaw Jr. (Hasunee) of Little Rock, AR; Cecilia Shaw of Kewanee, IL; Zachary Shaw (Shonna) of Chicago, IL; Venus Shaw Anderson of Clinton, IA; and Arnilour Stong (Tony) of Moline, IL; Tonya McCloud of Davenport, IA; two sisters: Pattie Shipp of Memphis, TN; Alzolia Salley Woodard (Nathaniel) of Hampton, VA; four brothers: Rev. Otis Earl Shaw (Charlie) of Memphis, TN; Norwell T. Shaw of Memphis, TN; Charles Ray Salley of Memphis, TN; and Samuel L. Salley (Teresa) of Garrison, TX; 19 Grandchildren, 33 Great Grandchildren, 5 Great Great Grandchildren, 6 Step Grandchildren, and 13 Great Great Grandchildren; Brother-in-law Hezzie Moore of Kewanee, IL; and a host of nieces, nephews, and his dear friend Rommie Woodard of Memphis, TN; and his beloved playful and feisty fur baby, Scotty.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 6 at Grace City Cathedral Church in Rock Island with Rev. Dwight L. Ford officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the church. The burial will be at Pleasant View Cemetery in Kewanee. Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee is assisting the family with arrangements.

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