William R. “Billy” Shumpert, of The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2019 in The Villages. He was born on September 1, 1943, the first born child of the late Ruble Lee Shumpert and late Catherine Swanzy Shumpert in Columbus, Mississippi. Billy attended school in Starkville, Mississippi and was a proud graduate of Mississippi State University.
Billy had a successful career which spanned dairy, restaurant, and pharmaceutical industries. In his professional career he crisscrossed the U.S. continent and travelled the globe. His most proud and notable professional accomplishments were numerous, successful, global operations with former employer, Wyeth International, in the Nutritionals Division.
In 1988 he married Mirla “May” Tapalla in Burlington, Vermont. They enjoyed 31 years of marriage while living in Vermont, Pennsylvania, and Florida, where they have lived in The Villages for 11 years. Billy was an avid golfer who honed his skills for over 50 years, but during his lifetime he also enjoyed boating, water skiing, sailing, competitive kart racing, and snow skiing.
In passing, he leaves behind the love of his life, May Shumpert, his daughter Nancy Kanizar, son David Shumpert and wife Omayra, and son Karl Amoguis. Grandpa Bill or Papa Bill leaves behind grandchildren, Emily, Nikolas, Madison, Jeremy, Keagan, Brenda, Angela, and Diana, aged 26 to 3. Billy also leaves behind his brother Robert and wife Sheila, sister Brenda, and brother Charles and wife Glenda.
Billy had been a friend of Bill W. for four years and had the full understanding and support of his family in his recovery. Billy was completely committed to loving, serving, and accepting others on their own journey. Although he was always humble about any involvement within the community, the outpouring of love and stories of life impact by others is a testament of his gift to connect with people and desire to give back to the community that supported his own life change.
He was loved and will be missed by many, but those that knew Billy will forever carry a piece of his heart with them by simply remembering his smile. A celebration of Billy’s life is planned for late June at a time and place to be determined.