Obituary of Shelly Joseph Shirer

Shelly Joseph Shirer was the youngest of seven children who preceded him in death. He was born to the late William Jr. and Rivanna Shuler Shirer in Orangeburg, South Carolina on January 5, 1923. He moved to Philadelphia, PA when he was 4 months old. Shelly was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age. He married the late Barbara Holmes Shirer and three children were born to this union: Walter, Shirley and William (deceased). Shelly was in the Navy and was a World war II Veteran. He was employed by the Federal Government for over thirty five years as a tool and die maker where he became chief of service. In 1960, he married the late Eloise Augusta Dunn Zen and from this union one daughter, Linda was born. Upon retirement, he moved to New Jersey where he joined Christ Care Unit Missionary Baptist Church. Shelly was a member of the van ministry and was very committed and dedicated to making certain that the vans were being well maintained. He also was a member of the Oriental Lodge #80 F & AM Pha. of Scranton, Pennsylvania, where he was a Past Master. He enjoyed golfing and was a member of the "Just Golfers Club", New Jersey. One of the highlights of his golfing experience was his trip to Scotland with his son-in-law where they played on the first fifteen golf courses erected. Shelly loved sports and was an avid football fan. On Saturday evenings he would write a list of teams that were playing and the times they played so that he could enjoy the games. No one was allowed to disturb him on Saturday during football season. He was a loving and devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved children and his family. His home was often filled with children's laughter and joy. With a heart of gold, he extended his hand to those in need. All children, including children outside the family; called him "POPS". Everyone knew that if you wanted an honest answer, just ask him, he was very direct.He leaves to cherish his fond memories, his children, Walter of Fort Worth, Texas, Shirley Shirer Bacote and a special son-in-law, Pete of Hampton, Virginia and Linda Shirer Stevenson of Sicklerville, New Jersey, two step-sons, Waslie Zen (Juita) of Malaysia and Anuar Zen of Baltimore, Maryland; fifteen grandchildren, including two special grandchildren, Ryan and Tia, who resided with him all their lives; sixteen great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Everly Fears Shirer of Mt. Laurel, New Jersey; sister-in-law, Eugenia Dunn Douglas of Baltimore, Maryland and a host of nephews, nieces and friends including special friends Valarie, Yvonne and Marilyn "Little Bit". The family would like to acknowledge with special thanks, caretakers Toya, Miss Muff and Illana for their services. We miss you already dad, rest in peace, we love you.