Bill Shugarts of Spotsylvania, VA, unexpectedly entered eternal life at his home on Christmas Day, following a heart attack. Bill touched the lives of countless people, and everyone he met became a friend.

Born in Sunbury, PA, Bill was the eldest of five children of William Wray Shugarts Jr. and Jean Elizabeth Shugarts (née Walshaw). His siblings included two brothers, David Allen and Steven Harris, and two sisters, Ann Elizabeth (Miller) and Janet Susan (Kirk). Named after his grandfather and father, a mechanical engineer, Bill inherited his father's meticulous and optimistic nature and his mother's passionate spirit. He was also a natural-born leader.

Bill often described himself as a "late bloomer" who considered girls a "nuisance" until college when he met Edie Webster. The two became inseparable, marrying in 1967 after graduating from Wilmington College in Ohio with a BA in Economics and Business. Bill then enlisted in the Army rather than waiting to be drafted.

He graduated from Officer Candidate School (OCS) in 1968 during a turbulent time in the U.S. Assigned to Vietnam, he served as a Battalion-level Operations/Transportation Officer with the 23rd Infantry Division (Americal), managing re-supply convoys to forward fire bases. His commendations included three Bronze Stars. Although offered the opportunity to stay in the Army, Bill chose to leave and start a family.

In 1971, Bill and Edie welcomed their son, Todd Eric Shugarts, in Poughkeepsie, NY. In 1976, their daughter, Emily Louise Shugarts, completed the family in Nashville, TN. Bill and his family embraced adventure, from attending the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics to moving frequently for career opportunities. They lived in Belle Meade, NJ; Johnson City, TN; Libertyville, IL, and other locations, becoming active in churches and community life.

In 1993, Todd married Shelley Albert in Libertyville, IL, and in 2001, the couple welcomed Bill and Edie's first grandchild, Rachel Emma Shugarts, in Hartford, CT. Rachel quickly became the light of the family.

In 2003, Edie was diagnosed with a rare cancer. Bill's devotion during her 10-month battle was a testament to his love and character. During this time, Emily married Brent Lockwood in Richmond, VA. Bill's tenderness and care for Edie became a lasting lesson for the newlyweds. Her passing deepened Bill's faith in eternal life through Jesus Christ, a conviction that stayed with him.

After Edie's death, Bill reconnected with Margene May Sims, whom he had met while both were caregiving for their ailing spouses. Margene's husband, John, passed on the same day as Edie's celebration of life. Bill and Margene supported one another, eventually falling in love. They married in 2006 and built a life together in Fairfax Station, VA, and later in Fawn Lake, Spotsylvania, VA.

Bill embraced Margene's daughters, Shannon Kindsgrab (Hans) and Stacy Sims (Steve Stanley), and adored their blended family of seven grandchildren: Rachel, Ryan, Kate, Evan, Adele, Rose, and Jera.

A proud veteran and the namesake of two veterans—his grandfather, a World War I soldier, and his father, a World War II veteran—Bill became deeply involved in veteran causes. He served as a National Park Service guide at the Vietnam Wall, assisted Ken Burns' Vietnam documentary research, and led tours of Washington, DC monuments. Bill also organized mission trips to Kenya and therapeutic tours for Vietnam veterans. Bill also served on several boards throughout his life, more recently Families of the Wounded Fund and NOLB-No One Left Behind.

In his working years, Bill held senior management roles with companies including Westvaco, American Greetings, Reynolds/Alcoa, and Fibre-Craft Materials Corp. By 40, he had become a company president, enabling him to provide a rich life for his family.

An accomplished photographer, Bill owned TradeWinds, Inc., a global consulting and photography business, and was recognized as a National Park Service Master Docent and USO volunteer. He also co-founded Northern Virginia Military Ministry Outreach and the Fawn Lake Veterans Group, among other initiatives.

Bill is survived by his wife, Margene Sims; his stepdaughters, Stacy Sims (Steve Stanley) and Shannon Kindsgrab (Hans); his children, Todd Shugarts (Shelley) and Emily Lockwood (Brent); his brother, Steven Shugarts (Judy); and his beloved grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three siblings, his first wife Edie, and other dear friends and family members.

Visitation will be held on February 25, 2025 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm at Laurel Hill Funeral Home (10127 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA, 22553))

A celebration of Bill's life will begin at 11:00 am on February 26, 2025 at Tabernacle United Methodist Church (7310-A Old Plank Road, Fredericksburg, VA, 22407)

A private internment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) or Tabernacle United Methodist Church.