William Sheldrick

William Allen (Bill) Sheldrick Jr., 57, of Mountain Home, Idaho, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 22, 2012, at a Meridian Care Facility after a long illness.

Bill was born on Aug. 24, 1954, in Albany, N.Y. Bill grew up in Troy and Grafton, N.Y., as well as Scottsdale and Ray, Ariz. Bill was an American Patriot all his life.

At age 18, Bill received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a Billy Graham Crusade. In January 1977, Bill enrolled in Baptist Bible College East in Shrub Oak, N.Y., where he met his wife, Peggy. They were married that July 4, 1977, in Exton, Pa.

Bill loved to teach and preach God's Word. He and Peggy loved working with children of all ages and ran several Youth Departments and Junior Churches over the years. Because they were never blessed with children of their own, they claimed these kids they worked with as their own and still keep in touch with several of them.

Bill was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved to make people laugh and always had jokes ready to tell. He was known as having a beautiful, big heart, being kind, a true friend and a man who made a difference in the lives of many young people. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Bill is survived by his wife of 34 years, Peggy Sheldrick of Mountain Home, Idaho; his sister, Anita Wager and husband Paul of Spotsylvania, Va.; niece Kellie Anne Wager of Spotsylvania, Va; and nephew Matthew Wager and wife Julie of Fredericksburg, Va.; as well as special friends Bob, Leanna and Stephanie Jewell of Mountain Home, Idaho; Jennie Jewell Velie of Meridian, Idaho; and Ginger (Mom) Jewell of Mountain Home, Idaho.

He was preceded in death by his father, William A. Sheldrick Sr., and mother, Benniteen A. Sheldrick.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held in Mountain Home on Sunday, May 20 at 3 p.m. at the Richard Aguirre Park Gazebo, West 10th North Street (between North 3rd East and North 5th East).