He was retired from the United States Air Force, as a Senior Master Sargent, with 20 years of service. He was awarded the Airman of the Year award and a Certificate of Merit commendation. Mr. Shirley also retired from Lockheed Martin with 29 years of service. He was an avid bowler and bowled a perfect game at the age of 68. He was active and served in leadership at St. Philip UMC and most recently at Covenant UMC.
Mr. Shirley was preceded in death by a daughter, Cathy Shirley Goodman. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jetty G. Shirley; children, Pam and Bob Barfield, David and Julie Shirley, Jr.; brothers, Charles Shirley, John Shirley; grandchildren, Emily Cannon, Morgan Hutchison, Philip Goodman, Joe Barfield, Nathan Shirley, Reagan Shirley; great grandchildren Anna Cannon, Ben Cannon, Graysie Jo Mayfield, Palmer Hutchison, Analee Hutchison; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Friday December 23 at 3:30 PM in the chapel of Georgia Memorial Park Funeral Home with Rev. Joey Hatchell and Rev. David Moore officiating. Interment with Full Military Honors provided by the U. S. Air Force will follow at Georgia Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends between the hours of 5 until 7 PM Thursday at the funeral home.
