E.L. Shirley

Monday, March 23, 2009

E.L. Shirley, 82, of Monette, died Thursday, March 19, 2009, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. He was born March 2, 1927, in Cave City to the late Ethel and Elsie Shirley. He was a veteran serving in the United States Army during the Korean War. He worked many years at Colson Caster Company as a machine operator and was a member of the Ravenden Church of Christ.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Virgie Shirley, of the home; four sons, Earnest Shirley of Cardwell, Terry Shirley and Bobby Shirley, both of Monette, and Ronney Shirley of Manila; two daughters, Debbie Jean Morris and Tammy Oliver, both of Leachville; 18 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Parnell and Lessie Marie Collier; two brothers, Ervin Shirley and Alford Shirley.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Wayne Shirley, and a sister, Luna Branden.

A celebration of his life was held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Gregg Funeral Home Chapel with A.J. Stracner officiating. Burial was in Macey Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Terry Shirley Jr., Earnest Shirley Jr., Dennis Oliver, Bobbie Shirley Jr., Ricky Shirley and Ronney Shirley Jr. Honorary pallbearers were Earnest Shirley and Bobby Shirley.