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Some Stuff I Wrote and Some Stuff I Didn't (2011) H. Morris Williams

Marjorie received this award in recognition of her excellence in the
teaching of English at M erritt Island High School where she has been
teaching since 1985. She is currently the advisor of “Omnibus” , the
student art and literary magazine at MIHS.

Local people will remember Marjorie’s parents, Don and Betty. Don was a
respected physician who also served on the Columbia County School
Board, and Betty was active in many community projects.

THE LAST HERO

Staff Sergeant William F. (Bill) Sheely (CHS 1942) was the 15th and last
Columbia High School graduate to be killed in World War II. Bill was the
tail gunner on a B-24 Liberator called the “Super Wolf” when his plane
was shot down on July 7, 1944. His final words were reportedly “Incoming
fighters at six o’clock.”

Bill’s plane took o ff from North Pickenham, England, at 5:30 that morning,
along with 22 other B-24’s, to bomb an aircraft assembly plant in
Bernberg, Germany. They were on their 19th mission. Although the big
bombers met heavy resistance, they hit their target--but the price was
high. Only 11 of the 23 bombers returned safely.

Bill was killed July 7, 1944, and his daughter was born some three months
later, on October 22, 1944. She was named Billy Sheely after her father.
They never saw each other but when she grew up she dedicated herself
to finding out all she could about his military career and how he died. Her
research is how we know so much about his final mission.

Billy (CHS 1962) became a teacher and taught several years at Lake City
Junior High School. She now lives in Colonial Heights, VA. Columbia High
School honored her Dad by naming a Future Farmers of America Chapter
the Bill Sheely Chapter.

The next time you are in Olustee Park, look at the World War II Memorial.
You will find Bill Sheely’s name inscribed there. Touch his name tenderly
and remember that he died willingly and heroically~at the tender age of
20-- to help preserve the freedoms we enjoy today.

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