Bill Ervin Shinn, age 72, of Bull Shoals, died Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Stella Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation in Russellville. He was born October 22, 1952, in Russellville, to James Ervin and Betty Margaret Davis Shinn.

Papa Bill loved his family and was given the gift of gab having never met a stranger.  He lived and experienced all things, from the largest of cities to the smallest of towns while building relationships and families along the way.  Even from the other side of the river, all would know Papa Bill from a laugh that would fill the air for miles.

Retirement in the sleepy town of Bull Shoals had been a lifelong dream, while creating a Trout Guide Business to keep a man who worked most of his life busy and happy doing what he loved.  Fishing.   He never realized the families and lives he would touch in the simple act of fishing, laughing, and relaxing for over a decade.  His love for family was unwavering.  He never let anyone go hungry or forget that a good laugh would make a bad day better.  Papa Bill had a heart that was larger than life, being felt no stronger than by his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He loved, praised, and valued life to the fullest.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, David Blake Shinn.

He is survived by his wife of over 20 years, Jennifer Shinn; two sons, Clayton Shinn of North Little Rock and Britt Sadler of Atkins; six grandchildren, Morgan Stringer, Lauren Grace Shinn, Rebekah Deeds, Isabella Knigchen, Britton and Bailey Saddler; and six great-grandchildren.

All services are private under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice Russellville, 222 John Babish Ln., Russellville, Arkansas 72801. Or at www.arkansashospice.org/foundation/donate, and Hospice of the Ozarks, 701 Burnett Dr., Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653, or at www.hospiceoftheozarks.org/ways-to-give.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com .