Born in Honea Path, he was a son of the late Hoyt Bryson and Nellie Wilson Shirley. He was a member of Honea Path First Baptist Church and was retired from the Belton – Honea Path Water Authority. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, World War II, having served in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters.

Surviving are his wife of the home, two sons, Pat Shirley (Valarie Sue) of Honea Path and Jimmy Shirley (Frances) of Leesville, two daughters, Gayle Burton of Hickory Tavern and Margaret Brown (Bobby) of Honea Path, a sister, Fay Vaughn of Augusta, GA., ten grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by a son, Tony Shirley, two brothers, Nathan and Addison Shirley, and two sisters, Vivian Beach and Martha Knight.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 10, 2017 at Honea Path First Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Moody officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Garden of Memories.

The family is at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Bobby (Margaret) Brown, 618 Barkers Creek Road, Honea Path, and will receive friends from 2 to 3 PM Monday at Honea Path First Baptist Church prior to the service. Memorials may be made to the Honea Path First Baptist Church, 100 S. Main St., Honea Path, SC 29654 or to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29627. Online condolences may be made at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com