Time For Memory

Darrell D. Shine

1931 - 2012

Darrell D. Shine, 81, of Silsbee, passed away at 1:55 PM, Monday, June 11, 2012 at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston after a brief illness. He was born June 4, 1931 to Anabel Lee Chance Shine and Darrell Shine Sr, from several pioneer families that date back to the earliest Anglo settlers of Hardin County in the 1830's. Darrell was 7th generation of Hardin County.

He grew up in the old community of Fletcher centered on the South side of Village Creek where his Chance ancestors settled, attended school at the old one-room Chance School in Fletcher and graduated from Silsbee High School in 1947. He learned to love and develop knowledge of the Big Thicket and Village Creek that surrounded every aspect of his childhood, innate knowledge which would later be an enormous part of his career.

Darrell married his childhood sweetheart, Barbara Suitt and raised three daughters in Silsbee. He began his Land Surveying business, Shine and Associates, in 1956. The hard-work ethic instilled in him from his childhood prompted him to build one of the most sought-after Land Surveying firms in the state.

During his lengthy career, he has worked as a Land Surveyor in approximately 120 Texas counties, representing about half of the counties of Texas. He has mapped every parcel of land in Hardin, Chambers and a portion of Jefferson Counties. He surveyed nearly a million forest acres of Southeast Texas for Kirby Forest Industries, Champion International Corporation, Temple Eastex, Inc, and the United States Government (Big Thicket Preserve), among others. The early childhood years learning about the woods, creeks and history of Hardin County figured deeply into the man he became.

Awards include "Surveyor of the Year", presented by the Texas Surveyor's Association in 1984 and being named the recipient of the Conrad Blucher chair for excellence in surveying, through Texas A&M, Corpus Christi in 1987. He was commissioned by Texas A&M to author a book, 'Inland and Coastal Waters of Texas and Their Boundaries'. He also served on the Texas Board of Land Surveying from 1981-1987 and lectured at Texas A&M and Lamar University for over twenty years. He was a sought-after speaker for many years, including universities, governmental agencies and historical societies throughout the nation.

Darrell never forgot the community that reared him, serving four years as Mayor of Silsbee, and nine years on the Silsbee School Board. He was an active member of his church, serving in leadership and teaching roles.

Until his death at age 81, Darrell worked full time at Shine and Associates, and was still in demand across the state for his extraordinary expertise and 60 years of experience as a Texas Land Surveyor. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend to many.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Shine in 1993. He is survived by daughters, Betty Shine of Houston, Anna Beth Jumper, Susan Shine Kilcrease, son-in-law Dennis Kilcrease, four grandchildren, Jana Jumper, Luke Jumper, Christopher Kilcrease and his wife, Lisa Rothlisberger Kilcrease, and Andrew Kilcrease and his wife Leisa Wilson Kilcrease, three great-grandchildren, David Kilcrease, AlexAndrea Kilcrease, and Joshua Kilcrease, all of Silsbee, three sisters, Sarah Hendrix of Silsbee, Sue Shine of Fort Worth, Nancy Shine of Horseshoe Bay, Texas, beloved business partner, Nedra Foster and scores of nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.

Services will be held on Thursday, June 14 at 2:00PM at The First United Methodist Church in Silsbee. Visitors are welcome to the viewing beginning at 5:00 pm Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at R.S. Farmer Funeral Home in Silsbee.

There are currently 59 condolences.

Cheryl Bean txmultimedia@hotmail.com Sunday December 2, 2012 at 1:40 AM
Mr. Shine presented a very interesting speech earlier this year at the SCAT building about land surveying, the center of the USA and such details. I did not know he had passed til I saw his photo in the just released Hardin County Historical Commission book. I owe my ignorance to mey own brother battling cancer at MD Anderson the first week of July. It truly has been a horrible time for both families. Prayers your way.

Clay Standish Tuesday June 26, 2012 at 10:32 PM
Thank you Mr. Shine, for all your help. My sincerest condolences to Mr Shine's family and friends. And thank you Lord for the time you gave us this man.

Julianne Clark Hataway Tuesday June 19, 2012 at 11:59 AM
Dear Susan and family, Thank you so much for providing this information about your wonderful father! He obviously followed the old "Shine/Kern" tradition of a life of love, faith, idustry, expertise, and accomplishment. We know he will be sorely missed by HORDES of people! Love and prayers, "Cousin" Julianne and Lowell Hataway, Lapine, AL

Don Jacobs donj37@hotmail.com Monday June 18, 2012 at 4:26 PM
Mr. Shine was a unique individual, and I agree with every message I've read here. What an honor it was to know someone who touched so many lives. I met him during my stint in the 1970s as Hardin County reporter for the Beaumont Enterprise and he was Silsbee's genial mayor. His knowledge and advice concerning Hardin County politics probably saved my skin several times. His sense of humor was unmatched, and as someone else has said, I stole quips and jokes from Darrell at every opportunity. A few years later, I bought a few acres of land, and Darrell was the only surveyor I knew, so I called him, and he surveyed it for his usual nominal fee. A half-acre of the land was on the far side of Bayou Din, and when I asked how he got across the bayou, he said, "We have our ways." As far as I know, he rode an alligator across. And knowing Darrell's charm, he probably convinced the alligator to wait for him for the trip back across. He was a great friend. My deepest condolences to the family. I share your sorrow.

JOHN RUSSELL CHAPMAN john.chapman@centerpointenergy.com Friday June 15, 2012 at 8:40 AM
WE HAVE TRULY LOST THE FOOTSTEPS OF A GREAT SURVEYOR.

Judy Edmiston dred@mail.utexas.edu Thursday June 14, 2012 at 7:13 PM
Darrell was a true Texas gentleman. As fine a man as I've known and as much a part of all we are as if he had ridden with Stephen F. Austin, Sam Johnson and every generation of Texas Rangers. Such a special person. -Judy

Jerry Moorer Thursday June 14, 2012 at 12:49 PM
It was my priviledge to have DD as a friend and colleague for over 40 years. Very few individuals have given more to the advancement of their prfession, especially Darrell's contributions to surveying in Texas. RIP old friend! and thanks for the many jokes I've stolen from you over the years. Jerry S. Moorer, RPLS 1572

R. Scott McClintock, Sr., RPLS, PLS scottmc@eco-land-llc.com Thursday June 14, 2012 at 12:42 PM
My prayers go out to the Shine family. Darrell was one of my most respected mentors. Back in 1981, while attending the Advanced Surveyor seminar at Texas A&M, I remember the night Darrell headed the night class of celestial observations (Polaris). I was struggling when he pointed out that the Eskimos never have any trouble finding Polaris. I always thought that was funny as it's too light to see any stars during the long summers up here. I learned how and I will miss him. God Speed to you, sir! RS McClintock, RPLS, PLS Nome, AK.

Jena Soward Dickey Thursday June 14, 2012 at 11:18 AM
My mother, Mary Lou Chance, loved her double-cousin Darrell D very much and has many fond memories of their early years in "Chanceville." On the few occasions since becoming an adult that I have seen and talked with Darrell D, a remarkable sense of family and warmth abounded. What a gift he was to his family, friends and the community. I speak for Mother and the rest of the Chances--Darrell D was one in a million and the world is better because he was here.

Mary Lucas Walters mdw75979@yahoo.com Thursday June 14, 2012 at 11:06 AM
Betty, so sorry to hear about your dad passing. May the Lord give you the strength that you need. What an amazing dad and memories you can always cherished. Hugs

Kelly McCabe Smith Thursday June 14, 2012 at 10:26 AM
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. He will truly be missed by so many in the community. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.

E. G. (Eddie) Glover, Jr. Thursday June 14, 2012 at 9:38 AM
May God bless Darrell D. Shine, a great friernd and surveyor, including his family of three daughters. RIP.

Lindy Glenn Thursday June 14, 2012 at 9:33 AM
This man was an inspiration to me to remain in the surveying profession. How we need more like him. He will be missed not only by his personnal family but by the survey family as well.

Jeffrey D. Opperman Thursday June 14, 2012 at 8:24 AM
I was very sad to hear of Darrell's passing and I send my most sincere and heartfelt sympathies and prayers to his family and friends. Darrell was a great surveyor and dear friend to countless people and I feel blessed and privileged to have known him as both. No matter how busy Darrell seemed to be, he would always take the time to visit with, tutor or help a fellow surveyor. He was always a true gentleman and would always treat you as an honored guest. I am not only proud to have known him myself, but am also proud that my sons got to know him as well. Rest in peace Darrell and thank you for everything you gave to us.

Zach Savory zach.savory@sikessurveying.com Thursday June 14, 2012 at 7:12 AM
God Bless Darrell, you were a great friend and teacher. I cherished the experience of getting to survey with you and Nedra down in South Texas when I worked for Robert Young. Have fun mapping out Heaven. -Zach Savory

Phillip Stevenson Thursday June 14, 2012 at 5:22 AM
Some things learned from Darrell: The real definition of Prevaricator North compared to what and other surveying absurdities.

Mr. Felix Rodriguez III felixriii@prodigy.net Thursday June 14, 2012 at 3:59 AM
My sincere condolances to all the Shine Family and the Staff at Shine and Associates. Daryll is one of the men that inspired me with the discipline of Land Boundary and Shoreline Boundary surveying; and I had the honor to meet him and Nedra Foster in person at CEU Courses, at office meetings and work in a small survey project in the field. !Thank you Daryll! May you always be in the realms of our Lord and Savior. Felix Rodriguez III, RPLS

Betty and Clifford Recer Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 9:08 PM
We were sorry to hear of the death of our very best friend and colleague. Darrell Shine was a person who enjoyed his work as a surveyor and loved life. Darrell and I did our share of front porch and bass fishing-surveying. It did not matter if we were in The Big Thicket or Washington DC, there were corners to be set. Truth is he was a top surveyor and great friend. We will miss him. Betty and Clifford Recer

Chalmers Miller Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 8:50 PM
May God bless you Darrell Shine.He's welcoming you into his comforting arms and I know you can look back and smile at us in pride. One old surveyor to another.

George M. Amthor III Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 8:14 PM
Our loss is God's gain! Darrell was a man of many talents and who was a friend to all he met. We will miss his surveying expertise, his friendship, story telling and last, but not least his banjo playing. I know the Lord will enjoy having Darrell survey and play the banjo for Him in heaven now. May God bless the Shine family. George and Billie Amthor

Todd Bridges Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 7:11 PM
Mr. Shine was my TBPLS monitor back in the day. Every quarter I would send a report and every quarter he would send me a note back asking about how I am doing, how are the kids and send me homework. He made that process comfortable and personal. Over the years I have attended many of his seminars and gain from every one. My condolences to his family. Rest in Peace

Aurelio D. COrtes acortes@soliversurveying.com Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 6:53 PM
Even though I met him briefly, he left a lifetime impression. His humble demeanor and love for surveying was and will be unequal.

Pat Veteto patveteto@rve-inc.com Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 6:30 PM
I am blessed to have known and learned from Darrell Shine. Darrell, we will miss your wisdom and seasoned comments at our TSPS gatherings.

Ray Vannoy Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 6:12 PM
We have lost a great man and a role model for several generations of surveyors. Darrell touched and taught more than you will ever know.

Greg Shoults Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 6:10 PM
My condolences and prayers to the family,I was fortunate enough to meet Darrell a couple times and take some classes/seminars from him where I learned a lot from his laid back knowledgable style. He will be sorely missed by the survey community.

Jerry Brundrett jerryb@gbsurveyor.com Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 6:01 PM
Every new surveyor in the State should have to study the life and works of Darrell Shine to truly understand what it is to be a Professional Land Surveyor in Texas.

Cliff Middleton Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 5:11 PM
Fair winds, following seas and God Speed friend.

Dan Coyer DanCoyer@tscsurveying.com Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 5:02 PM
We lost a great Surveyor. Mr. Shine gave me advice on several projects. God Bless D. Shine and his family.

Seth-David Passovoy spassovoy@burypartners.com Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 5:00 PM
I was fortunate enough to have heard on of Mr. Shine's seminars several years ago...the surveying community lost a great proponent and mentor. All our best.

Bobby Marlowe Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 4:57 PM
I too wish to express my condolences to Mr. Shine's family. I so enjoyed talking to him and learning from him. I an grateful to have known him.

Karen and Kristen Key Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 4:37 PM
Mr. Shine was such a kind and gentle soul, but he also carried a wealth of knowledge wherever he went. He taught his children to be the same way, and his blessings to this Earth are many. He will be missed, yet always remembered. I would bet that he is surveying Heaven as we speak! Our prayers are with his family.

Mary Ann Bower Tucker Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 4:03 PM
To All the Shine Girls--Your Daddy was one of the best Daddy's, neighbor,friend and mentor to so many of us. Love to always be around him and your whole family as it was full of love. Your parents were not only neighbors but my choir director @ FBC..my grandmother had to make me a blue choir robe so we would all look good singing for them! Those were the days. I know I will miss him but you definitely will miss those silly stories and hugs he gave out. Hold on to your precious memories! Love you all!

Michael Hoover Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 3:40 PM
Truly a legend in his own time, we have lost a guiding light. I visited him at his office a couple of years ago expecting a brief visit and wound up spending the whole day with he and Nedra. What a fascinating afternoon. He was so exceptional in so many ways. My thoughts and prayers are with Darrell and his Family.

william peavey wlpv@sbcglobal.net Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 3:14 PM
I will always carry what I learned from you... it was my fortune to have known you... see you at the "final point"

David G. Moore david.moore@arlingtontx.gov Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 1:42 PM
I am so sorry to hear that Mr. Shine had passed. He was one of Texas greatest Surveyors and an extremely honorable man. May you rest in peace Darrell Shine.

Jack Meaut jack.meaut@willbros.com Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 1:10 PM
Darrell will be missed by all. Always a friend and never failing to lend a hand when you needed it. So proud to have been one of his friends and fellow surveyors. Prayers are going up for all of the family and close friends. I'll miss you Darrell!

Perry Smith perrysmith@aol.com Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 12:25 PM
In the summer of 1955 Darrell gave me a much-needed job working as a rodman and chainman in his surveying crew. I still have vivid and fond memories of those days. He was, in the truest and finest sense, a good man.

Robby Christopher Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 12:25 PM
Darrell was a great guy. He always commanded the attention of everyone in the room. His wit, his southern drawl, and mostly his sincerity are what I'll always remember about Darrell. He will be dearly missed by the Texas surveying community.

Alan M. McLain amclain@browngay.com Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 11:41 AM
Texas has lost a true living-legend in the professional Surveying community. I sincerly wish the family of Mr. Darrell Shine strength and peace in the days ahead. May you rest in peace.

John F. Pierce Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 11:35 AM
I guess the good Lord needed a fisherman, banjo picker, storyteller, surveyor and great friend.

George E. Griffith Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 11:02 AM
My thought and prayers are with his family and associates during these difficult times. Mr. Shine's influence has been and will continue to be a positive impact on the eduacation of professional surveyors.

Pat Richardson (Pantego, TX) Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 10:51 AM
I'm sorry that I will not be able to attend the services for Cousin Darrell D. Among his many attributes, he was the "go to" person for family history. He not only knew the "who" but the "where" of many early Texas families from which he was descended. May the Peace of Christ comfort all who knew and miss D. D. Shine.

Gary Brown gbrown@goodwinlasiter.com Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 10:08 AM
Darrell will be missed by all in the surveying profession. He was a genuine friend and mentor. Darrell very generously took the time to help me as a young wanna-be surveyor in the early 1980's by providing assistance and guidance with my SIT study. I owe much of my success in passing the RPLS exam to his unique ability to focus my attention in the right direction and to challenge my perceived knowledge. A visit to his office in Silsbee was a treat, with tall tales of time gone by and, if you were lucky, a banjo recital. Thank you, Darrell, for your life-long dedication to our profession and for all the memories we will cherish always.

Charla (Suitt) Lindsey Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 9:49 AM
My beloved uncle! All of my childhood memories of Silsbee and my cousins are precious, and "Uncle Darrell D" was a huge influence and a big part of so many fun memories. God must have needed some survey work and a good banjo player to come tell jokes in heaven. I can hear him cracking jokes already!! What a remarkable man, leaving a wonderful legacy. My prayers for comfort and peace extend to all who knew and loved him. Thanks, Uncle DD, for making me laugh. You will be greatly missed.

Becky Creel Ekvall Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 9:39 AM
Darrell D will be missed by all. I remember him most as my Sunday School teacher @FBC right after graduation. He always had a smile and an encouraging word for you. Then he was School Board President when I began teaching. Such a precious man!

Coleen and Michael Johnson Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 9:36 AM
Darrell was the consummate educator, a man of many talents with a fun-loving personality and one who was very dedicated to the surveying profession. Our sympathies to the numerous family and friends he leaves behind. Rest in peace Darrell. You will truly be missed.

Mary and Michael Chruszczak Wednesday June 13, 2012 at 12:20 AM
Darrell was a generous friend, a gentleman and an inspiration to many that have become surveyors. We will miss him. Please accept our sincere sympathies.

Brenda Stone brenda6336@att.net Tuesday June 12, 2012 at 10:31 PM
So sorry for your loss. God Bless you all.

Monnie & Zack Lucas Tuesday June 12, 2012 at 10:21 PM
We are so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a kind & loving person, loved by all. He will be greatly missed in this community. Of all the Camp Fire Girls, I think I was the one he probably knew the least, but he always embraced me and made me feel he knew all about me! Our love & prayers are for you all at this tough time. Love, Monnie & Zack

John Engle Tuesday June 12, 2012 at 9:13 PM
Mr. Darrell Shine was always more than generous to me, graciously sharing his time, knowledge, resources and most importantly his friendship. I will miss him so much. May God indeed bless Darrell and his family.

Donnie and Ann (Templeton) Kendrick nannieann_35@yahoo.com Tuesday June 12, 2012 at 9:01 PM
I recall our childhood days with Darrell D. He owned a donkey, Jerusalem, who pulled a little wagon that we loved to ride in. I still have a picture of my brother Bo Templeton and me in that very wagon with Darrell D. standing alongside. He was a unique person, talented, dedicated and interesting. His banjo playing ability was a surprise as well. We will miss him. God bless his family in their time of grief.

Donnie and Ann (Templeton) Kendrick nannieann_35@yahoo.com Tuesday June 12, 2012 at 8:59 PM
I recall our childhood days with Darrell D. He owned a donkey, Jerusalem, who pulled a little wagon that we loved to ride in. I still have a picture of my brother Bo Templeton and me in that very wagon with Darrell D. standing alongside. He was a unique person, talented, dedicated and interesting. His banjo playing ability was a surprise as well. We will miss him. God bless his family in their time of grief.

D. G. (Greg) Smyth saulgood333@sbcglobal.net Tuesday June 12, 2012 at 5:37 PM
We will miss him as a personal friend and as an icon among the surveyors of Texas. May God Bless Darrell and his family that he leaves behind.

Robert Young Tuesday June 12, 2012 at 5:01 PM
God Bless Darrell Shine. Thank you for your love and generousity to so many others.

John T. and Jane Jakubik Tuesday June 12, 2012 at 4:56 PM
We are so sad to learn of Darrell's death, and send our deepest sympathy and love to all his family. He was a great man and a good friend as well as a great surveyor. He will be greatly missed.

Billy Murphree Tuesday June 12, 2012 at 4:48 PM
Derrell will be missed ,I will remember the times we surveyed together.

Don McCullough Tuesday June 12, 2012 at 4:37 PM
Darrell was President of the Texas Surveyors Association when my firm was retained to manage its affairs. It was Darrell's inate ability to lead that brought this decision to fruition. The surveying profession in Texas has lost both a capable professional surveyor, but also a gentleman. RIP

Jim Gillis gillisjb@yahoo.com Tuesday June 12, 2012 at 4:32 PM
It is with a great deal of sadness that I heard of Darrell's passing. He contributed immensely to the education and professional standing of land surveyors in Texas, and his legacy is considerable. Mr. Shine had recently been chosen to receive the newest TSPS award, the "Eminent Educator Award". I dearly wish we could have made that presentation before his passing.

David W. Myers dwm@moaksurveyors.com Tuesday June 12, 2012 at 4:27 PM
Darrell has been a mentor to me and always made himself available, whether I needed a survey opinion or fishing tips. He was a great surveyor, person and friend. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

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