WILLIAM “BILL” BRYAN SHAVER, JR.

William “Bill” Bryan

Shaver, Jr., 79, of Spring, Texas, passed away on February 6, 2022 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Bill, who was a direct descendent of Stephen F. Austin, was born on May 15, 1942 to Samuella Wynne Shaver and William Bryan Shaver in Houston, Texas. After graduating from Montgomery High School in Montgomery, Texas, he went to study at

Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education with a minor in art.

After graduation, Bill married his first wife, the late Gerrye Lorraine Copley and together they had one son, John Christopher Shaver, of Houston, Texas.

Bill started his professional career as a teacher in the Aldine School District where he first taught woodshop and subsequently, art. He transferred to the Klein School District where he taught art for almost 20 years.

Bill met his wife, Geraldine “Jeri” Walkup, while at Stovall Junior High School in the Aldine School District where Jeri taught both English and Spanish. Together, they enjoyed nearly 40 years of marriage.

In addition to art, one of

Bill’s passions in life was music. He began by playing rock but also played a wide range of music in piano bars. After college, Bill developed a strong interest in country and, later, bluegrass music. Bill composed music, mastered several instruments and played in numerous bands such as Timberline, The Country Store, The Spring Creek Bluegrass Band, and Southern Express, to name a few.

In addition to art and music, Bill enjoyed cycling including both on his Harley Davidson and in the annual “Hotter ‘N Hell” 100-mile bike race in Wichita Falls, Texas.

When Alzheimer’s symptoms appeared nearly 15 years ago, sadly, Bill gradually lost his abilities in art, music, cycling and more. Thankfully, Bill never lost his sense of humor, and, with Jeri at his side, was able to enjoy travel, cruising, and family to the very end.

Bill is predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Jeri, his son, John, and numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in law, nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss him dearly.

Graveside services will be held at Calvary Hill Cemetery in Humble, Texas.