William Homer Shirley, Sr.

William Homer Shirley, Sr., 87, a lifelong resident of Chattanooga, TN, passed away on February 12, 2026, at his residence surrounded by family. He was born on January 16, 1939. William worked for Prentice Cooper State Forestry for 39 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Shirley & Maudie Shirley; wife, Brenda J. Shirley; son, Michael C. Shirley; grandson, David A. Sartin; great-granddaughter, Kara Shirley; sisters, Mildred Lawson & Juanita Whaley; brother, Ralph Shirley.

Survived by his children, Annette White, Marie Guy, Hayden Guy, Todd Shirley and William Shirley, Jr.; grandchildren, Shannalyn Stapleton, James Shirley, Miracle Vaughn, Hope Giddy, Jessie Davis, Derrick Guy, Felicia Guy, Savannah Shirley, Ashley Layne, Yolanda Shirley, Todd Shirley, Hailey Shirley, Michael B. Shirley, Robbie Shirley, Cheyenne Bedell, Tristen Shirley and Payton Shirley; an abundance of great-grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren.

As I Sit In Heaven

As I sit in heaven and watch you everyday, I try to let you know with signs, I never went away. I hear you when you’re laughing and watch you as you sleep. I even place my arms around you to calm you as you weep. I see you wish the days away wanting to have me home again. So I try to send you signs for you to know you are not alone. Remember I lived a long life on earth, though it was my time to go. So live your life, as though it was your last, laugh again and be happy. Then I know with every breath you take, you’ll be taking one, remembering me. Heaven is truly beautiful, I will be waiting to see you all again.

With love,

Your Daddy & PawPaw