"Lit a candle in memory of Johnny Wilbur Shriver"
In loving memory of
Johnny Wilbur Shriver
June 4, 1931 - February 19, 2015
Dr. Johnny Wilbur Shriver (Papa), 83, died Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015 in Austin, surrounded by family. He was the oldest practicing dentist in Central Texas and saw patients up until two days before his death. His last patient reported that his crowns fit perfectly.
Johnny was born June 4, 1931 in Eustace, TX to the late Dorothy Dot Edgar and John Wesley Shriver. He married his junior high sweetheart, Lee Ann Dixon on Sept. 2, 1950 in Austin. He earned his dentistry degree at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in 1955. Johnny was a captain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, stationed at Schilling Air Force Base in Salina, KS. In 1958 he and Lee Ann returned to Austin, and Johnny went into dental practice with his mother-in-law, Dr. Bee Lee Dixon, and cousin, Dr. Robert Dixon. He would later become president of the Capital Area Dental Society. He also invested much of his time in the Boy Scouts and the Optimists Club with his sons.
Johnny was an avid golfer and card player and had a weekly domino game with friends. He loved hunting at the familys Hill Country ranch and in South Texas. He traveled regularly to their East Texas lake house, where he would check the lines for fish, watch Western movies, and cook breakfast for his children and grandchildren while serenading them with, Good morning, breakfast lovers, its nice to see you. He and Lee Ann took frequent weekend trips to Louisiana. They were longtime congregants at Faith Presbyterian Church.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, sons James Shriver and Richard Shriver, and grandson Wesley Shriver. He is survived by his wife, Lee Ann; siblings Ann and Bill Moore and Jack and Karen Shriver; children Robert and Cheryl Shriver, and Jonilee Mueller; daughter-in-law Nancy Shriver; and grandchildren Drew Shriver, Erin and Brian Petty, Travis and Tracy Mueller, Curtis and Katie Mueller, and Whitney and Josh Wright. Great-grandchildren are Blaine Petty, Camden Mueller, Ada Mueller, and Everly Wright.
A memorial service with visitation will be held Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church at 1314 E. Oltorf, Austin, TX. A burial service will be held Thursday, Feb. 26 at 10:15 a.m. at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio. Pallbearers are Bob Dixon, Bob Grimmer, Curtis Mueller, Travis Mueller, Brian Petty, Frank Severn III, Drew Shriver, and Josh Wright. Honorary pallbearers are Alan Daniels, Benny Grimmer, Art Haws, Camden Mueller, Blaine Petty, J.W. Bobbert Raine, and Frank Severn, Jr.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Faith Presbyterian Food Pantry or the charity of ones choice.
Well never forget you, Papa. Or June 4.
Tributes
"What fond memories I have of Dr. Shriver. James was one of my best friends in grade school and since I grew up two blocks from the Shriver home I was there a lot. What great fun the entire family was. I have great memories of shooting my first deer on their ranch, swimming in the tank at the ranch, riding horses, fishing in the gulf of mexico, scout campouts, etc. Dr Shriver showed unconditional love at all times. He made a silent but significant impact on my life by being a great example. He was always upbeat and smiling. I shall never forget him. Jim Sherrill"
"We were so saddened by Dr. Shriver's death. We've been patients of his since Dr. Dixon retired some 20 years ago. It was always a joy to have our semi-annual visits with him. He was always so full of life, in a great mood and seemed genuinely happy to see you. We will sincerely miss him. Tommy Rand & Les Tull"
"I will miss coming to see Dr. Shriver at his office. I remember coming as a child and sitting in the waiting room in the children's chairs. Then over the years my daughters have been in the chairs. Not long ago when I needed a crown, my two grandsons got to meet Dr. Shriver also. Every visit was like seeing a dear friend. Loved my visits every time I came. Dr. Shriver was not only an excellent dentist, but a wonderful caring person. There were times he would come early so I could have a tooth repaired even before I went to work. I always thought that was so amazing. Dr. Shriver definitely made the world a brighter place. My prayers to his family. Juliet Smith"
"I was born in '62. We lived next door to the Shriver's. Many fond memories of the whole family. I looked up to James and Richard, and have played golf with Dr. Johnny also.I wish I had known about the lakehouse when I coached in Athens. Condolences from the Sanders family. Philip E. Sanders, Jr."
"Dear Lee Ann, Robert, and Family, Both Missy and I were saddened by the news that Johnny had passed away. I remember when you and Johnny got married at the Lake House (I was 7) and my sister said she remembers a piano at the wedding, she was only 2 1/2! Then we were in Houston at my uncle and aunts house when Robert was born and in 1959 I was hired to mow your backyard which had a 22 1/2 degree slope - my mistake! Johnny was a great guy. I never saw him that he didn't have a smile on his face and something positive and humorous to say. I also remember the game wardens at Bracketville. They finally figured out that Johnny and the crew were dumping morning birds at the house and coming back to hunt again. I was there the day they took Johnny and his crew's hunting licenses away to give them back the next morning. He will be missed. Love, Philip and Missy"
"My deepest condolences on the passing of Dr. Shriver. Dr. Shriver had been my family dentist for some 50+ years. I will forever miss those twice a year checkups and most of all that early morning cup of coffee to discuss fishing, hunting, golf and anything else that might cross our mines. I will miss his handshake, his smile, and that warm sincere greeting when you arrive and always asking about the family, and last but not least that parting remark "I hope I didn't hurt you and see you soon". Sincerely, Wayne and Gary Smith"
"Lots of great memories about Dr. Shriver, starting with Aunt Bee, his office, the hill country, to present. He was a very good person. I will remember his smile always. Take care. David Smith"
"Dear Shriver family, I was saddened to read of Dr. Shriver's passing. I was fortunate to have him as my dentist since I was a young boy in, I believe, 1958. In all these years I never remember dreading "the visit to the dentist". He always made me feel comfortable, as if visiting a friend that happened to look after my teeth. He always wanted to know what I had been up to and how my parents and siblings, then later wife a children were doing. I feel blessed to have had one last check up back in January. As usual, I left with a smile on my face. . In addition to having Dr. Shriver as my dentist, my wife Kathy and sons Dillon and Guthrie also had the good fortune of sitting his dentist chair. I will miss our chats. - Steve Kuehner and family"
"Dear Leann and family, We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. We send our best to all of you during this difficult time in your lives. Sincerely, Wanda Thompson and Sharon Singer"
"Dear Jonilee and the Shriver Family, I extend my heartfelt sympathy to you upon Dr. Shriver's passing. Dr. Shriver had been my dentist for approximately the past two decades, and I sincerely appreciate his professional and outstanding service extended to me during that time. He was truly an admirable man; I will miss him immensely, especially his friendly personality and caring attitude. I feel extremely blessed to have known him and to have been one of his patients. The Lord's peace be with you now and always. Sincerely, Howard Bielss"
"How sad I was to read about Dr. Shriver's passing. He took care of me since I graduated from UT. He was not only a wonderful dentist but a beautiful person. We had many conversations about politics, traveling and work. Know that he talked about his entire family with love. He will be sorely missed! Barbara Blefeld"
"LeeAnn, Johnny had a terrific impact on my life for which I have been always grateful. I came to Allen Jr High to the 7th grade as a strange new kid. Johnny and a group of his friends welcomed me and made those two years some of the best in my young life, so that I remember him and many of them, including you and some of your girl friends, all these years later, tho' we have had little contact. I pray you find solace and even some delight in knowing that as a youngster himself he had a heart that could have such impact on an apprehensive, frightened kid. I remember him fondly. May it be that your loss is tempered in celebrating his life. Yours, in God's peace Rev. Don E. Legge"
"Oh my....., my sweet dear friend has gone to be with my parents in the Heavenlies. I had been a patient for 62 years. Wow, what a wonderful, kind, sweet, honest, and cariing person, as well, as my favorite dentist ever. He treated by sister, Dottye, until she passed away from cancel, and cried tears with me when we visited. What a blessiing he was to all his patients and his family. He talked about you all the time and the pride and love he had in each and every one of you was amazing. God is so faithful, and He loves Dr. Johnny. I considered him on of my dearest friends. I know he is laughing with Edith and Leonard Hicks as I type this!. Blessings to the Shriver Family!! Jesus is so happy to have his Friend with him. Hugs, Judy Hicks Harbour"
"To Jonilee and the entire Shriver family, We were shocked to read of Dr. Shriver's death in the paper. Please accept our deepest sorrow for his passing. Dr. Shriver had been my dentist since 1963 when I was a senior in high school until present day. My first visit to him was after being in a car accident and having some of my front teeth broken off. He often times still reminded me of the look on my Daddy's face when we came to see him that first time. He looked at my Daddy and said, "She will be okay. I can fix her teeth." He had such a zeal for life and he was such a joy to be around. He always asked about the family and he generally had a tale to share. He always had a smile on his face and always gave me a hug every time I came to see him. He was always there for you even if it was after hours or on the weekends; you could count on him. Dr. Shriver was a "one of a kind" individual and he will be greatly missed. Francine and Manuel Hernandez"
"DR "JOHNNY" WAS OUR FAMILY FRIEND AND FAMILY DENTIST WITH WHOM WITH HIS FAMILY, WE SHARED MANY WONDERFUL LIFETIME ADVENTURES ALL ENDING IN HAPPY MEMORIES! HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY THE SEVERN FAMILY"
"Dear Shriver Family: Johnny was our family dentist for decades. What a great enthusiasm he had for life, family, hunting and fishing. He always had a tall tale for me in the dentist chair and a smile on his face. What a great man, he will be remembered. Scott Benson Walter, Barbara and Bill Padgett"
"Dear LeeAnn I was so sorry to read about Johnny death If thear is anything I can do please let me know he was a great Man. and will always be remberd. Love, LeaAnn Johnson Albert & MaryJane Johnson's Daughter"
"I was shocked to read of Johnny's death in Saturday's paper. I could not believe that this engergetic and happy person had left us. I could only remember with great fondness our boyhood years in old Allan Jr. High and Austin High schools. Those were experiences I will never forget. God bless you Johnny, and all your large family. You will be truly missed. Robert (Bobby) Tieman"
"Dear Shriver Family, We are so sorry about Johnny. Pleased now that you are in our thoughts. Vashti and Dale Tucker and Cynthia Tucker Nelson"