W.L. "Billy" Shute
September 25, 1924 - January 16, 2017
W.L. "Billy" Shute, age 92, died peacefully on Monday, January 16th, 2017 at the Mississippi State Veterans' Home in Oxford, MS, with his daughter and son in law by his side. Services will be held Friday, January 20th, 2017 at 11:30am graveside in Evergreen Cemetery, North Carrollton, MS.
Mr. Shute was born on September 25, 1924 to the Late George and Willie Mae Jacks Shute. At 17, he lied to the recruiter about his age, as many of the Greatest Generation did, and proudly joined the US Navy. During World War II, Billy served on the USS Tolman and the fabled USS Corry, which was sunk by the enemy during D-day while acting as a decoy, drawing fire away from the invasion forces. He thankfully survived the frigid waters and was rescued.
Back in Greenwood, MS, Billy worked for Malouf Music Company for many years, travelling the Delta repairing juke boxes, pinball machines, and electronics. With little formal education, Mr. Shute earned the nickname, the "Juke Box Man," for his ability to fix anything, especially the juke box. He also owned his own TV repair business, as well as worked for Leflore Communications at one time.
In Billy's later years, he developed a passion for tennis. He loved being competitive in the USTA, especially with the younger players. Mr. Shute will be remembered by many for his care and love of the Greenwood Racquet Club, whose members presented a very special plaque to him upon his retirement. He was also a member of North Greenwood Baptist Church where as a born again Christian, he especially enjoyed chaperoning ski trips with the youth and former youth minister, Hugh Smith.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Ann Shute; son, Bill Shute; two sisters, and a brother.
He is survived by his daughter, Georgia (Hal) Williams of Greenwood, MS; brother, Sam (Betty Jo) Shute of Jackson, MS; four granddaughters, Barra Easley, Jeanne Dubard, Ann Ross Williams, and Allie Shute, and six great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 20th, 2017 9:30am to 11:00am at Wilson & Knight Funeral Home in Greenwood. Dr. Jim Phillips will officiate the services in Evergreen Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by American Legion post #29. Pallbearers will be Johnny Ray, Bob Lundy, Ken Dubard, Haley Easley, Dave McCain, and Don McCain. The family would like to especially thank the caregivers at Indywood Glen in Greenwood, the Oxford VA, and Camellia Hospice, also in Oxford.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a favorite charity, North Greenwood Baptist Church, or the Alzheimer's Association. Wilson and Knight Funeral Home is in charge. Online guestbook may be signed at www.wilsonandknight.com