William Richard “Bill” Shranko, a man of profound integrity, charisma and unyielding optimism, was called home to be with the Lord on November 6, 2026. He was 82 years old.
Born in Youngstown, Ohio, on February 4, 1944, Bill was the son of the late Margaret Shranko and brother to the late Jerry Michael Shranko. He grew up with a deep love for life, a trait that defined him until his final days.
In his youth, Bill played high school football until a shoulder injury cut his playing career short, though it never dimmed his passion for sports. He remained a lifelong, ardent fan of college football, passionately cheering on the Navy Midshipmen and The Ohio State Buckeyes.
Following high school, Bill answered the call of duty and proudly served in the U.S. Navy on active duty. His dedication to his country continued long after his honorable discharge, as he served in the Navy Reserves for several years.
Upon completing his full-time military commitment, Bill returned to his hometown of Youngstown, where he discovered a passion for local politics. Driven by a desire to serve his community, he was elected as a Youngstown city councilman and later served as the executive assistant to the mayor. Bill’s leadership and ambition led him to run for mayor of Youngstown in both 1975 and 1979.
In early 1980, ready for a new chapter, Bill left politics behind and headed west to the bright lights of Las Vegas, Nevada. Starting from the ground up, he took a job driving a taxi. What began as a transition, quickly turned into a lifelong career and a new passion. Bill’s natural leadership, charisma and deep work ethic shone brightly in the Las Vegas transportation industry, where he rose through the ranks to become a supervisor, the director of human resources and ultimately the chief operating officer at Yellow Checker Star Transportation company.
To know Bill was to feel truly seen. Whether he was known as Bill, Mr. Shranko, “Shrank,” “Uncle Bill” or affectionately “Sweet William R,” he possessed a rare and beautiful gift: when talking to him in a room full of people, he made you feel like you two were the only ones there. He was intentional, supportive, encouraging and fun-loving.
Bill loved life fiercely and greeted each morning with simple gratitude just for waking up.
He found immense joy in the world around him, especially the natural beauty he found in nature. Whenever he travelled, he was always quick to enthusiastically point out both common and exotic animals. Bill was also known to point out beautiful landscapes, and to seek out a beautiful sunset or sunrise. He loved the majesty of the ocean, the soothing peace of a good rainstorm and the high art of the opera. An avid history enthusiast, he held a lifelong fascination with the American Civil War, and when he wasn't studying history, he could often be found pursuing his passion on the golf course.
Bill loved to travel the world, but his absolute favorite American city was New Orleans, a place he visited frequently to enjoy its vibrant culture and spirit.
Bill’s legacy of honesty, integrity and character lives on through his loving family. Bill had a very generous personality and was well known for his memorable gift-giving.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Clark Shranko; two daughters, Wendy Shood (Dan) and Kimberly Johnson; and his two cherished grandsons, John Curtis Boerger and Steven May; his three nephews, Dondi Shranko, Billy Shranko (deceased) and Ken Shranko (Catharine); alongside countless extended family and lifelong friends who were blessed by his warmth.
He has fought the good fight, he has finished the race and his memory will forever be a blessing to all who loved him.
Service arrangements will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.
Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Statesboro Herald, November 19, 2026
Sign the Legacy online guestbook at www.statesboroherald.com.