ICONIC WBZ-New England Bill Shields, a TV reporter, died on Friday evening after a long battle with cancer.
The charming 70-year-old reporter is remembered for his passionate reporting and charming persona.
Justin Draper, President and General Manager of WBZ-TV, expressed his condolences to Shields’ family and friends.
“In the mid/late 2000s, I had the pleasure of working with Bill. Bill had an incredible talent for telling personal stories with humanity, dignity, and grace “He stated.
Shields worked for WBZ for more than 41 years before retiring in September 2021, according to CBS.
“My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Bill’s family and friends,” Draper added.
Sheilds’ colleagues shared fond memories of the dedicated reporter.
“Just thinking of his laugh makes me smile on a day when I am so, so sad. Rest in peace, Billy. We love you,” WBZ-TV anchor Lisa Hughes said.
WBZ-TV anchor Paula Ebben also expressed her admiration for the Texan-turned-New-Englander.
“Bill Shields took a bite out of life. He was my friend, but truly – he was everyone’s friend. A Texas boy who embraced New England, and LOVED telling stories here,” she wrote in a tweet.
Shields was fighting his own medical battles when he wasn’t dealing with severe weather and storms outside.
Throughout his career, the reporter battled cancer twice and always maintained a positive attitude.
Shields revealed in November that he had been diagnosed with Upstage Lung Cancer.
“I now have a different type of cancer. I have two personalities! Mentally, it’s a longer road, but we’re getting there. We’re still giggling “Shields explained.
His fans were always there for the legendary reporter. Katherine, his wife, never left his side.
