William Thomas "WT" Shedd
June 24, 1938 – September 28, 2026
William Thomas Shedd was born June 24, 1938, at home in Florence, Mississippi, to Charles M. and Sudie Mae Shedd.
The second of four children, he grew up with his older brother, Charles Clifton, and younger sisters, Bettye Jean and Joyce Faye. In their close Piney Woods family, faith, hard work, education, and a competitive spirit shaped his life.
The family’s long-standing connection to Piney Woods School in Mississippi began in 1912, when his father enrolled, graduated in the inaugural class, and later became a core member of the administration. His mother began teaching there in the late 1930s. William Thomas picked up the nickname “WT” while growing up on campus and attended Piney Woods schools from first grade through junior college, graduating in May 1957. A fierce competitor, WT played every school sport but loved baseball most. He often told of a game his team was losing 20–0; when he got on base, WT stole home to keep them from being shut out. At Piney Woods, he also met the love of his life, Miss Etta V. Bowen, beginning a relationship that endured for 65 years.
WT continued his education at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education in August 1961 at age 23. Through ROTC, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. He served on active duty from October 1961 to October 1965 at Fort Benning, Georgia, and Fort Hood, Texas, rising to the rank of captain. While Etta V pursued her master’s degree in the Midwest and later returned to teach at Piney Woods, their relationship flourished. They married on October 13, 1961, in a simple courthouse ceremony.
After the Army, WT and Etta V taught in elementary and high schools in Mississippi and Orange County, Florida, while building their family. Their four children were born in Mississippi: Toni Latrice in Biloxi, William Keith in Jackson, Sherry Lacquetta in Magee, and Kendrick Dwayne in Columbus.
In 1971, WT and Etta V moved their young family north in pursuit of opportunity, settling in Rock Island, Illinois, with help from their only local friends, Charles and Ann Robinson. They joined the Rock Island public school system that year; he became a high school guidance counselor, and she taught elementary school. Still, their Mississippi roots remained strong. Each year, WT packed the family and his dog “Fame” into the station wagon for the trip to Piney Woods and visits with Etta’s siblings and parents, Mr. Daniel and Miss Linnie Maude Bowen. There was always fellowship, food, and competition back home. WT proudly displayed his skills at dominoes and cards and occasionally partnered with Etta in lively games against the in-laws, usually with plenty of loud confidence.
In July 1977, at age 39, WT, now known as Bill, entered law enforcement. One of the oldest recruits in training, he became one of the first Black officers in the Davenport Police Department, shield number 491.
Bill loved the night shift and patrolling every part of Davenport. Guided by duty and fairness, he was known for his honesty, accountability, and determination to serve. He changed lives for the better on both sides of the law. One night, while speeding to a call, he was hit head-on in a collision that badly broke both legs and required them to be surgically pinned back together. Bill faced a long recovery but, true to form, fought through rehabilitation and returned to the streets he loved. He served the department for 34 years and achieved the rank of Corporal Detective.
In retirement, Bill and Etta traveled, nurtured their growing family, and embraced loud, joyful gatherings. Bill’s family grew to include 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He loved food, cards, dominoes, laughter, and time with family, along with quieter moments telling stories of Mississippi, the Army, and his years patrolling Davenport. Whether at work, at play, or facing hardship, Bill met life as a competitor and a fighter.
William Thomas Shedd passed away peacefully on September 28, 2026, in Iowa City after suffering a stroke, with his children beside him and his favorite music playing. Even at the end, the fighter in him remained; after a lifetime of meeting every challenge with determination, he found peace surrounded by love. He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Shedd (Virgia); sister, Joyce Holloway (Charles Sr.); and daughter, Toni Harrington (Shedd).
He leaves behind his wife, Etta; grandson, Michael Harrington Jr.; son, William “Bill” Shedd (Sue); granddaughters, Danielle Shedd Reed (Curtis), Mikali Shedd Chieves (Sean), Nicole Shedd (James Pollard), and Aleya Shedd; great-granddaughters, Wren Reed and Nya Pollard; daughter, Sherry Tatum (Darren); granddaughters, Raven and Kamryn Tatum; grandson, Dillon Tatum; son, Kenny Shedd; granddaughters, Mersayis and London Shedd; sister, Bettye Stephens; nieces, Marsha, Vikki, and Carla; nephew, Charles Jr. “Chuckie”; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. His legacy also lives on through the men and women of the Davenport Police Department.
Mr. William Thomas Shedd had a profound impact on everyone he met. The hearts of his family, friends, and coworkers are filled with cherished memories that will one day ease the sorrow of his passing.
