William Shirley Allison, 80, a resident of Rio Rancho for the past 16 years, and coming to Rio Rancho from Alamogordo, New Mexico passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2002. Shirley was born April 18, 1922 the son of John H. and Arelia M. Sykes Allison in Walnut Hill, Florida. He served in the US Navy during WW II after which he worked in the Civil Service under the United States Air Force for 20 years before retiring. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but most of all he enjoyed his family. Shirley was preceded in death by one son, John Robert Allison. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Betty Allison of Rio Rancho; three children, J.R. Allison of Paradise Hills, Jim R. Allison of Artesia, NM, and Frank W. Allison of Alpine, AZ; nine grandchildren, Jeffery, Jeremy, Wesley, Kimberly, Clinton, Clay, Jonathan, Justin, and James: eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Woodrow Allison; two sisters, Doris Engle and Margaret Millican. The Visitation for Shirley will be today, Wednesday, August 21, 2002 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Vista Verde Mortuary, Sara Rd. at Meadowlark Ln., Rio Rancho, with the Service on Thursday, August 22, 2002 at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Vista Verde Mortuary, Rio Rancho, with Pastor Terry Morris officiating. Entombment will follow in the Floral Garden Mausoleum at Vista Verde Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Steve Hadley, David Bowie, Bobby Newberry, Jeffery Allison, Clint Allison, Clay Allison and Billy Phegley. It has been suggested that memorial contributions in Shirley's name be made to the New Mexico State Police Association, District Office, 2501 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. Arrangements by Vista Verde Mortuary, Rio Rancho, 892-9920.

Albuquerque Journal (NM) - August 22, 2002