Donald Prue Shirley

Donald Prue Shirley passed from this life on March 17, 2021. Donald was born December 12th, 1930 to Prue Shirley (Garnet) and Jeanne Hughes. Donald met the love of his life, Geneva Hingson, at Jefferson High School both graduating in 1950. They married in 1951 and would have celebrated 70 years of marriage this July. After graduation, Donald enlisted in the Coastguard and served our country as an Engineman for three years in multiple lighthouses.

After being honorably discharged from the Coastguard, Donald started a 36-year career with Tampa Electric Company. Donald worked at each of the TECO powerplants in many roles throughout his career. Donald's lifelong desire to learn was evident with him going back to school at age 50 earning a pre-engineering degree. Donald retired from TECO in 1996, his last position being in the Environmental Department. After a few years off, he had a second short career with the EPC where he spent five years and met his best friend Neal Janis. Neal and Don tackled countless home improvement projects throughout the years.

Don was a staple in Brandon sports as both a manager and umpire, and refereed High School basketball as well as his favorite--wheelchair basketball throughout Tampa Bay. He was instrumental in getting the baseball field lights put up at Rogers Park at Brandon Park (Sadie Park) through a partnership with TECO. Don was an entrepreneur at heart and started, built, and sold a successful trophy business in Brandon, Don’s Trophies. He supplied trophies for Brandon and surrounding area youth leagues as well as local school sports teams.

Don and Geneva traveled the globe after retirement, visiting 14 countries and countless cities. He is survived by Geneva and their two children, Marty Shirley (Jill) and Donna Adams (John), and his sister Susan Shirley Simpson. Don and Geneva have six grandchildren: Brett Shirley (Diana), Craig Shirley (Amanda), Brandon Shirley (Nancy), Breanna Williams (David), Doug Adams (Elianie), Kayla Livingston (Zack), and 9 great-grandchildren and will be remembered by them all as the best Husband, Father and “Poppy” ever.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either Metropolitan Ministries (www.metromin.org) or Lifepath Hospice (www.chaptershealth.org).

Due to COVID-19 safety measures, services will be private.