John D. Shirley

Shirley, John D., 91, Altamonte Springs, FL (formerly of Dyersburg, Tennessee), died Dec. 21, 2010 in Orlando Regional Medical Center of pneumonia and other complications stemming from an earlier auto accident. Born in Granville, TN, he was the son of the late Berry P. and Mary Flossie Shirley. After earning a degree from David Lipscomb College -- where he lettered in basketball, baseball and track -- he attended Pepperdine University before graduating from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. (Beginning a 70-year, 24/7 obsession with the UT Volunteers, in literally ALL of their athletic incarnations.) He was a U.S. Army veteran and served in Italy during WWII. Mr. Shirley was employed by Dyersburg Fabrics from 1948 until he retired in 1976, as Vice President and a member of the Board of Directors. During his years in Dyersburg, TN, he was also a sports journalist, a residential and commercial real-estate developer, and a breeder of Angus cattle (Jay Dee Farms). He was very active in the Boy Scouts of America merit badge program. A perpetual coach and mentor to young people, he was instrumental in organizing the Dixie Youth League (baseball for grade school), the Babe Ruth League (junior high) and the Connie Mack League (high school). He was an elder and teacher at the Lake Road church of Christ for many years, and he served for a decade on the Board of Directors for Florida College in Temple Terrace, Florida. After moving to Orlando, Mr. Shirley ­ a lifelong stamp and coin collector -- received special recognition for Outstanding Achievement from the Florida Federation of Stamp Clubs for thirteen years of tireless support (1999). He was past director (2005-2006) and past president (2006-2007) of the Central Florida Stamp Club, from which he won the Second Annual William J. Bomar Award (1999) and an Honorary Lifetime Membership (2005). The Florida Stamp Dealers Association presented him with their Service Award in 2005. He is survived by two brothers, Paul K. and Berry N. Shirley, and one son, John Shirley, Jr. A memorial service will be held at the Palm Springs Drive church of Christ (where he capped over half-a-century of Bible teaching) on Tuesday, Dec. 28 at 7:30pm. Visitation at 6:30. Burial in Granville, TN on Thursday, Dec. 30 with graveside services at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Shirley wished donations to be made to the Florida College Adopt-A-Student program.