William "Bill" Shull

William “Bill” Wayne Shull, 69, died peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2026, while on a fishing trip with his son in Wisconsin.

Born October 9, 1956, in Rockford, Illinois, Bill was the son of Angus P. and Catherine Smith Shull. Raised by a single mother, Bill learned early the value of hard work, determination and self-reliance. A graduate of Jefferson High School, he was largely self-taught in the many skills and talents he developed throughout his life.

Bill married Mary Derry on October 8, 1988 and together they built a life centered around family, friends and the many interests that brought him so much enjoyment. His early working years in manufacturing laid the foundation for a very successful career in steel sales. He was more than a salesman, he forged lifelong friendships with his customers. He was known throughout his life as an exceptionally hard and dedicated worker who gave his all to whatever he was doing.

A man of many interests and talents, Bill was deeply involved in his community. He served as a volunteer firefighter with the Cherry Valley Fire Protection District and later served as a fire department commissioner. Bill was an excellent left-handed pitcher in baseball and was scouted by the Pittsburg Pirates. He spent many years both playing the game at Roy Gayle Baseball Park and coaching the game he loved, particularly at Rockford Boys Club and Camcar. An accomplished trap shooter, Bill served as team captain in the SM&SF Club trap shooting league.

His passions were many. Bill loved fishing, muscle cars, trap shooting, hunting and a splitting firewood. He was also an avid traveler and cruiser who enjoyed seeing new places and sharing those experiences with the people closest to him. Some of his greatest joy came from being a grandfather. He treasured spending time with his grandsons, Austin and Brodey, especially teaching them how to work on cars, golf carts and passing along the knowledge and skills he had accumulated over a lifetime.

Bill truly had a “larger-than-life” personality. A natural social butterfly, he loved people, loved a good gathering and rarely met a stranger. His energy, humor and presence could fill a room. He loved his country, valued his friendships and, above all else, was devoted to and deeply loved his family.

Bill is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Heather Shull-Swanson and significant other Ron Sodko; son, Jayson Shull; grandsons, Austin and Brodey Swanson; sister, Patricia Hoffman; brother, Angus (Karen) Shull; brothers-in-law, Michael (Bev) Derry, Pat (Mary Kris) Derry, Bill (Liza) Derry, Jim (Susie) Derry and Gary Patterson; sisters-in-law, Laura Derry and Kady (Bill) Hevrin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Angus and Catherine Shull; sister, Barb Patterson; infant brother; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Syd and Ann Derry; and brother-in-law, Tom Derry.

Perhaps Bill's place within his family can be summed up best in the simple words of a beloved family member:

“Everybody loves Uncle Willy.”

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Holy Family Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, and again from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:

Roy Gayle Pony Baseball/Softball, Inc. P.O. Box 1011 Rockford, IL 61105 https:/www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/149695

Condolences and memories may be shared through Fitzgerald Funeral Home.