Dr. William G. Shaffer, PH.D., departed this life on September 14, 2022, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on February 6, 1939, in Energy, PA, the fourth son of Homer and Laura English Shaffer. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Loyal; his nephew Thomas Loyal; and sister-in-law Nancy (Clair). He is survived by his brothers Kenneth (and wife, Rose) of New Castle, and Clair of Utah; 3 nieces, Jan (Loyals), Cheryl, Lisa and nephew Jay (Clairs); 10 great nieces and 6 great nephews; and 4 great-great nephews. He graduated Valedictorian of the Shenango High School Class of 1957. He attended Grove City College and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree-double major in French and Spanish. He undertook graduate study with a NDEA Fellowship at Case Western Reserve University and earned his Masters Degree in 1961 and Ph.D. degree in Romance Languages in 1968. He studied in Paris, France under the prestigious Fulbright study grant in 1965-66. He taught at the University of Louisville, Kentucky, the University of Houston, Texas, in the Houston Independent School District, and finally at Illinois College where he attained the rank of full professor and from which he retired in 2001. He was awarded emeritus status and was recognized for a career well served. He also taught to hospital and home-bound students. He did scholarship research on the French actress, Sarah Bernhardt. She was the subject of both lectures and published articles. For more than 25 years, he was an active member of Centenary United Methodist Church, St. Louis, Mo and later attended both the Congregational Church and Trinity Episcopal Church in Jacksonville. Blessed with limitless curiosity, he believed in life-long learning, enrolling in piano and dance lessons in his seventies. He had a passionate interest in the French language and culture (involving more than 20 trips to Europe), American antiques, Victorian houses, classical music, the fine arts, and genealogy. He was fluent in French, Spanish and German. A private graveside service and interment of cremains will take place at Greenwood United Methodist Cemetery in Energy, PA. He leaves behind a legacy of strong faith, kindness, generosity, friendship, volunteering, and his wry sense of humor. Memorial contributions may be made to Study Abroad Programs at Illinois College. The Buchanan& Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com. .