William Thomas Shumard

William “Bill” T. Shumard, a retired USAF Major and beloved member of the Biloxi community, passed away peacefully in his home on July 20th, 2023, at the age of 92. Born on December 31, 1930, in Stewardson, IL, he was one of nine children born to Louis O. Shumard and Louise Shumard (Hickey).

At the age of 17, Bill enlisted in the USAF and went on to complete Officer Candidate School, embarking on a distinguished military career. Most of his service was dedicated to Keesler Air Force Base, where he met and married Ruth "Patricia" Whitley in 1962. Throughout his military journey, Bill traveled extensively and was stationed at various bases in Korea, Alabama, and Massachusetts. His commitment and dedication to the service led him to retire with the rank of Major in 1969.

Following his military retirement, Bill pursued higher education at the University of Southern Mississippi, earning his MBA. He then transitioned to a career as a civil service employee focused on air traffic control until his full retirement in 1991.

Outside of his professional life, Bill found immense joy in skeet shooting, a passion he discovered in the late 60s. Throughout his life, he garnered numerous awards and accolades for his exceptional skill, earning him a well-deserved place in the Mississippi Skeet Shooting Hall of Fame. Beyond personal achievement, Bill tirelessly devoted his time and efforts to mentor and educate new shooters, actively promoting and nurturing the sport he loved.

Bill was predeceased by his loving wife, Ruth P. Shumard, and his siblings Ruth Christopher, Rose Kittel, Evelyn Shumard, Robert Shumard, and Ann Kappes.

He leaves behind his surviving family members: his children William Shumard, Steven Shumard, Donald Shumard, Penny Shumard, Pamela Cobb, and his stepchildren Leo Provencher, Kathy Culbertson, and Steven Provencher. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by his siblings Chuck Shumard, Dave Shumard, and Betty Allen.

A graveside ceremony will be held on July 25, 2023, at 10:00 AM, at the Biloxi National Cemetery 400 Veterans Ave. Biloxi, MS.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence Inc. Contributions can be sent to P.O. Box 333, Biloxi, MS 39533, or made online at www.gccfn.org.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Biloxi, is honored to serve the Shumard family.

www.RiemannFamily.com