Max Shirley

Max Hoyt Shirley, 70, of Starr, SC, formerly of Belton, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 5, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Born in Belton, Max was the son of the late Addison Byars and Grace Arnold Shirley. He was a graduate of Belton Honea Path High School (Class of 1973) and of Greenville Tech. Max retired in 2016 after 40 plus years of experience as a dedicated mechanical engineer with Milliken and Company.

Growing up on a dairy farm, he watched his father mend and repair aging equipment, and in this process discovered his own passion for fixing whatever was broken. He became the ultimate "Mr. Fix-It" who would go out of his way to help anyone, anywhere and at any time. Not only a handy man, Max was also a true people person and the perfect host. There were no strangers in his life, only friends. He would always find a reason to come together even if there was no "special" occasion. For him, every occasion was special.

Above everything, Max loved his family deeply. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his family in many ways, whether he was boating on the lake, supporting his grandchildren at their sporting events, grilling, and sharing a meal together, or sitting around a fire telling stories as the day came to an end. At his very core, his purpose in life was to see his family and those he loved happy.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Susan A. Shirley; daughter Sumer Oliver (Travis) of Greer, son Drew Shirley (Amber) of Belton, daughter Lauren Shirley of Mt. Pleasant, and bonus children Ryan Armstrong (Shelly) of Honea Path and Michelle Armstrong of Mt. Pleasant; grandchildren Reid Oliver, Davis Oliver, Addison Oliver, Harper Shirley, and Declan Shirley; and sisters Gloria Pruitt, Bonnie Knight (Marty), and Janice Hunter; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bud Arnold Shirley.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, December 12, at Sullivan-King Mortuary Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. prior to the service at the mortuary. The family is at the home in Starr, SC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made Shriners Hospital in Greenville.

Sullivan-King Mortuary