Bill Shaddix, a beloved Western artist, friend to many, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, at the age of 94. Bill was born in Colony, Oklahoma, in 1931 to his parents Pat & Bonnie Shaddix. He was the oldest of eight children.

After enduring the hardships of the Great Depression, he and his family left the Midwest and settled in Southern California. At Whittier High School, he developed a reputation for his artistic talent, though his penchant for drawing occasionally earned him more attention from teachers than he intended. He graduated in 1950.

With the Korean War underway and the draft expanding, he chose to enlist in the U.S. Army shortly after graduating. He spent eighteen months in Korea, where he saw considerable combat, before returning to the United States to complete his military service at Fort Polk, Louisiana. He was honorably discharged in 1953. After a brief period as a truck driver, he became a Deputy Sheriff with the Orange County Sheriff's Department. His law enforcement experience led to a position with the Orange County District Attorney's Office and, later, to a career as a corporate investigator for the Ford Motor Company. Impressed by his artwork, a coworker at Ford arranged his first art show, an opportunity that helped launch a remarkable artistic career and establish him as one of the West's most respected artists.

Bill had a deep connection to the outdoors, particularly the mountains. Combining his love of nature with his passion for art, he moved to Idyllwild, California, where he opened his first art gallery in 1960. He also volunteered with the local fire department, becoming an active member of the community. By 1970, Bill had met fellow artist Joe Beeler, and the two quickly became close friends. Joe encouraged Bill and his wife to visit Sedona, Arizona. Captivated by its beauty and character, Bill realized he had found his forever home and soon moved to Sedona.

Bill pursued his career as a western artist for over sixty years. His love of the Western landscape, Native American cultures, cowboys, and the traditions of the American West shone through every brushstroke. Painting brought him joy and peace throughout his life, and he continued to paint well into his nineties. Through his work, he sought not only to capture the beauty of the West, but also to share the perspective, appreciation, and wonder with which he viewed the world around him.

Known for his adventurous spirit and his love of the outdoors, Bill and his family traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada, attending art shows and photographing landscapes, wildlife, and people, always searching for inspiration for future paintings. These journeys not only enriched his work but led to many lifelong friendships within the Western art community. His love of adventure reached new heights when he became a private pilot, creating countless opportunities for exploration and unforgettable experiences with his family.

Bill is survived by his wife, Beverley; his children, Rodney and Liz; seven grandchildren, including a grandson he raised as his own son; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, sons Tony and Dave, one brother, and four sisters.

Source: Gilbert Memorial Park Website

Submitted by: Jim Andrus

Bill J. Shaddix was born in Oklahoma on November 30, 1931. Shaddix grew up in poverty in the Dust Bowl. His family moved to southern California in the 1940s. In 1956 he became the deputy sheriff of Orange County, California while painting in his leisure. A self-taught painter, as he gained fame, he soon became a full-time artist. His early works are mostly southern California landscapes; whereas, he later found inspiration in the Rock Mountains. He settled in Phoenix, Arizona where he continues painting the romance and lore of the cowboy and Indian era.