Steven Shirley

Steven Craig Shirley

SALISBURY - Steven Craig Shirley, 54, of Salisbury, died Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013.

He was a son of Ron and Sandy Shirley of Williamsburg, Va., who survive him. Steve was born July 17, 1959, in Streator, Ill. He was a 1977 graduate of Ramapo Regional High School in Franklin Lakes, N.J., and a 1981 graduate of Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.

Steve had a 30-year career in information technology, initially as a consultant with Arthur Andersen and Deloitte specializing in public utilities. In later years, he was a manager and executive, primarily with retailers such as Food Lion and Lowe's. He took disability retirement to fight cancer in 2012.

In the community, Steve was a devoted Scouter, serving approximately 20 years in various leadership roles. He served in Pack, Troop, Venture Crew, District Committee and Council roles in North and South Carolina. He served on the Executive Committee for the Blue Ridge Council in South Carolina, and was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for the Central North Carolina Council. Steve was on staff at the national Jamboree, was a student at the Philmont Training Center, and took boys on a 78-mile trek at the Philmont Scout Ranch. He was awarded The Silver Beaver, the highest award a Scout council can present to a volunteer. He was wood badge trained, and was a wood badge trainer.

Steve was an avid fisherman and was a founding member of South Carolina Christian Bass Anglers, where he served as recording secretary, and Bass Anglers for Christ, where he served as secretary/treasurer. He was most recently a member of Salisbury Bassmasters and had served in various roles, including president and treasurer.

Steve viewed his time in Scouting and fishing as both recreational and as a ministry. Steve enjoyed giving witness to his faith and sharing personal testimony. He frequently served as a worship leader for Scout training activities and camporees.

Steve and his wife, Nancy, used the last two years as a witness ministry. They vowed to make this time the most enriching time of their lives and to share those experiences and faith with family and friends.

Steve was an enthusiastic fan of college football and college athletics in general. The Shirley family attended both Clemson and Virginia Tech football games.

Steve served on the Board of Directors for Rowan Helping Ministries, was Director of Rowan County CROP Walk, was recognized on multiple occasions for his service to Mecklenburg County CROP Walk and was a member of Kiwanis International.

As an adult, Steve attended Christ Lutheran Church, Charlotte, where he served as treasurer and was a member of the congregation council. Steve also was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church, Greenville, S.C., where he served as financial secretary and stewardship chairman.

Steve and his family joined St. John's Lutheran Church in November 1992. He served on congregation council, was stewardship chairman, Family Life board chairman, lay worship assistant, lay worship leader for Center Celebration and a member of the Genesis Sunday School Class, Disciple Bible Study, the Joshua Group and the Men's Chorus.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Nancy Ruff Shirley, who he married Jan. 14, 1984; his son, David Shirley of Salisbury; his daughter, Sarah Shirley Michalec and son-in-law Russell of Salisbury; sisters Cindy Walbrown (Mike) of Oak Hill, W.Va., Beth Preslar (Don) of Hillsborough, N.J., Susan Shirley (John Speaks) of Turkey; brother Scott Shirley (Valerie) of Nashville, Tenn.; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Richard and Patty Ruff of Newberry, S.C.; his brother-in-law, Charles Ruff (Kim) of Charlotte; and nine nieces and nephews.

Service: A memorial service is set for Tuesday, Oct. 22 1 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St., Salisbury, NC. Inurnment will follow in the St. John's Columbarium.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to: St. John's G2G Capital Campaign Fund (200 W. Innes St., Salisbury, NC 28144), Capital Campaign for Central North Carolina Council Boy Scouts of America (P.O. Box 250, Albemarle, NC 28002), or Rowan Helping Ministries (226 N. Long St., Salisbury, NC 28144).

Steve always enjoyed laughing and joking, and in recent years, was very committed to living in the present and making the most of each day. He believed strongly that life was about faith, family and friends, and attributed much of the richness of life to them. He hopes that all your lives are richer for having known him.

Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Shirley family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.