William S. Shrago
December 14, 1927 ~ November 20, 2022
CHAPEL HILL - William S. Shrago, age 94, long time Rocky Mount businessman, passed away on Sunday, November 20, 2022, at his senior living residence at The Cedars of Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, NC. Born in Goldsboro, NC, on December 14, 1927, Bill was the son of Harry and Gertrude Shrago. He played football for Goldsboro High School, was an Eagle Scout and was graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1949. He married Florette Reyner of Columbia, SC, on September 16, 1951. He served proudly as an officer in the US Air Force (405th Fighter Bomber Wing) during the Korean conflict, and after his honorable discharge in 1953, settled in Rocky Mount with his wife and their first child. Two more children followed.
In Rocky Mount, he began a 65-year career as an investment advisor. He particularly enjoyed his work with his long-time business partner, Russell Proctor, in advising generations of families and was proud, at the time of his retirement in 2019, to have been a Senior Vice President of Stifel Nicolaus & Co. He was a long-time member of Temple Beth-El and the Rocky Mount Rotary Club, both of which he served as President, as well as the Benvenue Country Club. He gave generously to local charities and served the State of North Carolina for which he was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor James G. Martin for his work as Chairman of the North Carolina Holocaust Council.
He was predeceased by his wife, Florette, and his older sister, Hannah Baker. He is survived by his three children, Alvin (and his wife, Shoshannah) of Connecticut, Andrew (and his wife, Karen) of Wisconsin, and Anne of North Carolina; by six grandchildren – Rebecca (and her husband, Pavel), Sandra (and her husband, Brandon), Samuel (and his wife, Penina), Bryan (and his wife, Rebekah), Benjamin (and his wife, Molly) and Bradley (and his wife, Kayla) – who live in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Colorado and Wisconsin; and by six great-grandchildren – Liora, Elodie, Paige, Halle, Gandalf and Howl – who live in Georgia and Wisconsin. His wit, generosity, love and historical perspectives will be missed, but never forgotten.
A Graveside Service will be on Tuesday, November 29, at 1:00 PM at Pineview Cemetery in Rocky Mount. Visitation with the family will be held prior to the burial from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM at Wheeler Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Duke Heart Center, Nash Community College, the Harrison Family YMCA or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
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Bill Shrago was the wisest financial analyst I ever met and he assisted four generations in our family. I confided in him on budget issues for the State of North Carolina because of his great vision. But beyond that he was one of the kindest men I know, always offering sage advice on personal as well as professional matters. He managed an account for me since I was 18 years old with only $500.
Bill was just a really wonderful person and Florette was just as special and lovable. We miss them both.
Governor Mike Easley
I will miss Mr. Shrago just as I miss Mrs. Shrago and his sister, Hannah Baker. They each made the world a better place in their own special way. I will cherish my happy memories.
Bill was our trusted financial advisor for many years, and father to our friend Anne. We had the pleasure of having a Seder dinner at Anne’s home with Bill. Bill’s regimen of exercise and work was inspiring. Condolences to the family. I’m sure his departure will leave a hole behind.
On the lighter side, if I recall correctly, Bill enjoyed an occasional shot of Wild Turkey liquor, and had a funny name for it… “Tame Chicken” if memory serves.
Fred Rasmussen and Marcia Moss
Apex, North Carolina
Bill was an unbelievably caring, honest, humble and gracious individual. He cared for four generations of my family (grandparents, parents, myself and my children) for many, many years. I continued my business relationship with him after moving out of state, and he and his lovely wife Florette, made efforts to come out and visit with me and my family in St. Louis. I also recall returning to Rocky Mount for an event years ago and he and Florette opening up and welcoming us into their home and staying with them. Best part was the homemade waffles for breakfast he served that he was so proud of on his new waffle maker! Our last visit together was in Chapel Hill this past summer enjoying a nice dinner then going back to visit with him at his Cedars residence and his reminiscing over his many years of service to so many families. Truly a “once in a lifetime gem” who will be missed. I feel fortunate to have known him and have been one of his friends.
I was so sorry to learn of Bill Shrago’s passing. We last spoke in late September, which was customarily around the time of the Jewish New Year, and at that time he was very weak. He was a longtime friend and financial confidant. Bill taught me much about personal finance.
He also raised me to a master mason.
My sympathies go out to his family.
Sincerely,
Joel Goldberg