William Stephen Shinn Sr.

William Stephen Shinn Sr.  (Bill) passed away Sunday December 29, 2018 in Bluffton South Carolina.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Dorothy Francis Shinn (Dee). Bill and Dee spent many happy years together with family and close friends in Middletown Rhode Island, North Attleboro Massachusetts, Ashburnham Massachusetts and West Palm Beach Florida.  Bill and Dee loved spending time with their family, friends and raising shelties.

Bill had three children. Bill’s children and their spouses are: Catherine Day (daughter) and John Day of Wilsonville Oregon, William Stephen Shinn Jr.  (Son, deceased) and Alice Shinn of Rhode Island, Jude Robert Shinn (Son) and Michele Shinn of Bluffton South Carolina.

Bill has six grandchildren Joshua Day of Wilsonville Oregon, Meghan Shinn of Warwick Rhode Island, Zachary Day of Wilsonville Oregon, Private Ethan Shinn of the US Marine Corps, Hayden Shinn of Bluffton South Carolina and Riley Shinn of Bluffton South Carolina.

Bill was blessed with many nephews and nieces.  He was especially proud of Jamie Niles  who entered the Marine Corps at the lowest enlisted rank rose to embassy guard, transferred to the Army and became a Captain.

Bill was born July 14, 1942 in Lynn Massachusetts. Bill grew up primarily in Marblehead Massachusetts and is survived by his sister Carol Nelson (sister),  Ned Shinn (brother) and Grace Creighton, Janet Silcox(sister) and Jim Silcox (Best Friend).

Bill served over 20 years in the US Marine Corps. Bill was a highly decorated Master Gunnery Sargent  who served three tours in Vietnam and multiple classified operations between 1977 and 1980. William received many honors including (2) Purple Hearts, Navy Cross, National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Civil Action Medal 1st Class with Palm, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Achievement Medal, Commandant Letter of Appreciation and many more.

A private spreading of Bill’s ashes will be held Saturday January 12, 2018. In lieu of flowers please donate to Patriot Point. Patriot Point is a place for wounded and ill veterans. http://patriotpoint.org/support/donate-now/