William “Bill” Shinkle, 70, of West Portsmouth, entered into the kingdom of Heaven on April 24, 2010 at Hempstead Manor. Following a long and courageous battle with cancer, he passed peacefully with his family at his side.

He was born July 26, 1939, in Georgetown, Ohio, to the late E. Brian and Naomi Pursley Shinkle. As a veteran of the Air Force, he lived his life with integrity and bravery. He was a member and trustee of Old Town United Methodist Church and Choir, the Farmers Bureau. Affectionately called “Grandpa Bill” by his grandchildren, he was an avid woodworker who, as stated by his grandchildren, “Could build anything.” His generosity and kind heart were an inspiration to all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by two wives, Lavonda and Sue Shinkle; one daughter, Tonia Shinkle; one brother, James Shinkle; and two sisters, Ruth Corns and Hilda Frame.

He is survived by his wife, Gayle Shinkle of West Portsmouth; one son, Scott (Phyllis) Shinkle of Denver, Colo.; two stepsons, Todd (Tammy) Hazelbaker of Otway and Craig (Meleah) Hazelbaker of Friendship; one stepdaughter, Kim Bridwell of West Portsmouth; seven grandchildren, Morgan and Mason Bridwell, Caleb, Ethan, Abigail, and Tehya Hazelbaker and Martina Shinkle; brother and sisters-in-law, Gordon and Phyllis Collett and June Hiles; mother-in-law, Ruby Prince; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, 2010, at Old Town United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Matthew Brookes officiating. Interment will be in Rushtown Cemetery, with graveside military rites by James Dickey Post 23 American Legion. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth and one hour before the service on Wednesday at the church.

Donations may be made to Old Town United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be sent to www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com.