Shinault, Jr., William Franklin

William Franklin Shinault Jr., age 83, of Fayetteville, North Carolina passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2022. William was born June 18, 1939. Lovingly known as “Bill”, “Frank”, “Frankie”, and “Brother”, he was a husband, a father, and a soldier.

He served his country with distinction and honor for 20 years. Sergeant Major Shinault served with 82nd Airborne, the 101st Airborne, and the U.S. Military Assistance Command (Vietnam). His awards included Master Parachutist, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnamese Master Parachutist Badge, The Bronze Star with two Oakleaf clusters, and five Campaign Stars. He began his second career at Kelly Springfield upon his retirement from the U.S. Army and settled down with his family in Colonial Cove. He obtained his associates degree in business administration, and made the Dean’s List. He served with The American Legion, ushered at St. John’s Episcopal Church, and served with The Red Hat Association. William enjoyed playing the guitar, standing in front of the ocean, crossword puzzles, and Jeopardy. His favorite times were spent on the annual fishing trip to the Outer Banks, and going home to Virginia for the family reunion. He was, and always will be, the “favorite uncle.”

William is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Freddie Shinault; his sisters, Judy Branscome, Ruth Farris, and Margaret Friend. He is survived by his children, William Franklin Shinault III, Brian Shinault, Billy Ray Kennedy (Janet), Rebecca Kennedy Simcox (Gary), Terri Kennedy Wooten (Keith), Charles Howard LaCourse Jr. (Daisy), Lynda LaCourse (Donald Penley), William Michael Shinault (Karen), and Stephanie Shinault Bentley; a collective 47 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; his sisters Ellen Adams, Jane Harris; his lifelong best friend Allen Dees; as well as his best buddy, Blake.

Stephanie and Blake would like to extend a special thank you to Joanna, Naomi, Mary, Jack and Dolly Grimm for your generosity, dependability, and love you have shown their father.

The family will accept friends for visitation on Monday, September 12, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at Reeves Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held in the chapel of Reeves Funeral Home on Monday September 12, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. with burial to follow at Cumberland Memorial Gardens.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.reevesfunerals.com for the Shinault family.