William B. Sheeder

William Benjamin Sheeder passed away on April 1st, but he was far from a fool.  In fact, his biography is listed in Who’s Who of Intellectuals.  Bill was born on January 21, 1938 to Fred and Amy Sheeder in Elmira, NY.  His siblings include: F. Thomas Sheeder (deceased; married to Jonna), Richard Sheeder (resides in Cornelius, NC, and married to Erin), and Clare Sheeder Fenner (lives in upstate NY and married to Don). 

Bill attended high school at Elmira Free Academy where he was Student Government President, Treasurer, and played on the varsity tennis and football teams.  Upon graduation, Bill attended Ottawa University (OU) in Kansas where he served as Sophomore Class Representative, Student Council President, Student Manager, was voted “Mr. OU,” and was part of an OU traveling singing group where he met his first wife, Suzanne.  He also held a lead role in Carmen, was known for his rich baritone voice, and had key roles in many church services including leading an Easter Sunrise Service with thousands of attendees.

Bill graduated from Ottawa Universityin 1960 with a degree in philosophy.  He then became employed at Ohio University in Athens where Bill was appointed Head Resident for Men’s Residence Halls, Associate Director of the Baker University Center, and Assistant to the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.  Bill was also a professor who taught human relations and social science classes. He earned his Master of Arts in Human Relations from Ohio U.  His first daughter, Lynn, was born while residing in Athens.

In 1966, Bill was hired by the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL, as Director of the Whitten Student Union, a 200,000 square foot facility with bowling, billiards, cafeterias, meeting rooms, and a bookstore.Following that, he advanced to the positions of Director of Student Activities and Assistant VP of Student Affairs in which he was responsible for Whitten University Center, Student Activities, Campus Sports & Recreation, Women’s Collegiate Athletics, and the Rathskeller (served as corporate vice president and secretary).  Bill’s second daughter, Traci, was born in 1971.  From 1976 to 1989, Bill retained his former positions and added Dean of Students to his title.  “Dean Sheeder” oversaw the Greek system, orientation, student development, and university chaplains as well as dealt with university discipline.  Bill married his teammate and best friend, Gayle, in 1980, and they remained married for 38 years until his death.

In 1989, Bill retired from University life and branched out into the business world.  He owned two coin laundries, a drycleaner, and managed several real estate properties.  The extended Sheeder family owned a cottage on Wellesley Island in Thousand Islands, NY, that was affectionately named “Sheeders’??” (aka Sheeders’ Sharp Flat).  Bill loved spending summers in the Thousand Islands and was most at home behind the wheel of his boat named “Finally” cruising along the St. Lawrence River with his wife and kids.  He also enjoyed his annual fishing trips to Bimini, the Keys, and other places along the South Florida coast with his fishing buddies called “The Bills Fishing Group” which included four guys named Bill along with Joe, and, in later years, Carl.  One other passion of Bill’s was convertible cars: he owned a Cadillac, Ford Galaxie, Chrysler, and two Corvette convertibles over the years.  He was also quite active in churches including Calvary Chapel in Miami, Homestead, and Kendall, FL, as well as GlassHouse Church in NC.

Family was the source of greatest joy for Bill.  He is survived by his wife, Gayle; his daughters, Lynn Claunch and Traci Gant; his grandchildren, Steven, Bethany, and Carissa Claunch, Taylor and Benjamin Gant; his siblings, Richard (wife, Erin) and Clare (husband, Don); his sister-in-law, Jonna, along with nephews and nieces.  Bill will most be remembered for his generous and kind spirit, trusting nature, and leadership by example.  He taught us to value people more than things, live a life of integrity, and enjoy each moment.

A memorial service was held for Bill on April 4th.  It can be viewed on YouTube by searching for “Bill Sheeder Memorial Service.”  Donations can be made to: The Refuge at Third Day Farm in Perryville, KY, or GlassHouse Church in Davidson, NC.