Charles Ray Shirley, Sr.

Charles Ray Shirley, Sr.

August 8, 1938 - May 14, 2025

Charles Ray Shirley, Sr. passed from this life on May 14, 2025, from the same city where it all began: Shreveport, Louisiana. He was 86, full of love, dry wit, and quiet wisdom to the very end.

Charles was never one to do anything halfway - not his hobbies, not his work, and certainly not his love. He gave everything he had to everything he did, whether it was racing down a drag strip or a motorcycle trail, coaching softball, skiing down a mountain, creating beautiful woodwork, or caring for the love of his life, Vivian Lee Ames Shirley. He and Vivian were married for 66 years and, in a world of short stories, theirs was something extraordinary. Dementia may have taken their memories, but not their love. They held hands and smooched until the end.

Youngest child to Cecil Willis Shirley, siblings James, Milton, Mildred, Margie, and Joe. His nephew Bobby was like a brother to him. Charles loved his siblings and their families wholeheartedly.

Charles and Vivian raised four children: Ray Shirley, Janice Shirley Hoppman (Steve), Katherine Shirley Sepulvado (Mike), and Julie Shirley Holder (Stephen). Recently, a note was found in Charles's handwriting that simply said, "What great children we had." That was the kind of man he was - openly proud of his family and generous with praise, love, and gentle nudges toward doing what's right. He passed down many things: his sense of humor (bone-dry), his exemplary work ethic, and his steadfast moral compass.

Charles built a life with his hands and his heart. Charles and Vivian successfully owned and operated Air Conditioning Service Company together. After selling the business, Charles continued his career with Fitzgerald Contractors. No matter the job, he worked with integrity and excellence. He believed in doing things right and that practice makes perfect - or darn near close to it. That went for skiing, golfing, fishing, motorcycle riding, woodworking, softball, drag racing, and life itself.

He was Grandpaw (or Papaw, depending on the grandkid) to 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren who describe him as funny, kind, and affectionate. He adored each one! He was Dad/Daddy to his kids, Baby Brother to his sister Margie, That Other One to Grandma Shirley, Uncle C to a slew of nieces and nephews, and Chuck to many friends - each nickname a snapshot of a life lived fully and connected deeply to others.

He walked his faith as surely as he talked it. Charles and Vivian were longtime members of Southside Baptist Church before joining Emmanuel Baptist in the 1990s, where Charles served as a deacon. He believed in community, service, and loving others well.

No one ever had a bad word to say about him - and that is meant quite literally. Charles was known for his honesty, generosity, and unshakable kindness. He loved fiercely, worked diligently, and laughed often.

He leaves behind a legacy not written in headlines, but in hand squeezes, gentle hugs, dad jokes, Sunday dinners, and the quiet confidence of a life well lived. Charles Ray Shirley, Sr. was one of the good ones - actually, one of the greats.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Charles's life at Provenance Clubhouse, 1955 Woodberry Avenue, Shreveport, on Saturday, June 21, from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon. Come and go, or come and stay a while, share stories, write a memory, and celebrate a life well lived.