Robert Whestly Shirley

Funeral services for Robert Whestly Shirley, 76 of Vidalia, LA will be Friday, January 27, 2017 at First Baptist Church of Vidalia at 10 AM with his son, Whest Shirley officiating. Interment will follow at Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home – Vidalia. Robert Whestly Shirley was born on Friday, August 23, 1940 in Esto, FL to Early Vester and Ethel Mae Shirley and passed away Sunday, January 22, 2017 at Merit Health Natchez. He was a resident of this area for 56 years and was employed at J.M. Jones Lumber Co. and retired from Reagan Equipment in 2002. Robert was an avid sportsman who loved hunting and fishing. His favorite sport was basketball, but he was most enthusiastic about following his children and grandchildren in all of their sporting events. Robert was a member of the Miss-Lou Coon Hunters Association and participated in Dixie Youth Baseball for many years as a coach and parent volunteer. He was a firm believer and secure in his faith in Jesus. Robert was best friend and constant companion to his wife Linda of 53 years, loving father to his two children and daughter-in- law, and cherished Pop-Pop to his six grandchildren. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, L.D. Shirley, two sisters, Marjorie Hales, and Vera Mae Shirley. Survivors include his wife, Linda Reese Shirley of Vidalia; son, Whest Shirley and wife Dara of Vidalia, daughter, Tatia Shirley Webber of Vidalia; grandsons Evan Webber, Pate Shirley and Jackson Shirley; granddaughters Whestley Shirley, Molly Shirley, and Meredith Shirley; sisters, Evelyn Wood of Geneva, AL, Roselyn Urquhart and husband Rudy of Powder Springs, GA, Edna Grubbs of Holt, FL, and Sarah Jacobs and husband, Talmadge of Newton, AL along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and close friends. Pallbearers will be Garlen Randall, Charles Anderson, Paul Cangemi, Greg Brown, Pat Smith, and Rex Faust. Honorary pallbearers will be the Vidalia McDonald’s Morning Crew and his fishing buddy, Philip Eames. The family will receive visitors Thursday, January 26, 2017, at First Baptist Church of Vidalia from 5 PM – 8 PM and Friday January 27, at 9 AM until service time at 10 AM. Burial will follow at the Natchez City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Robert Whestly Shirley

August 23, 1940 - January 22, 2017