"Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." -Leonardo da Vinci

Brigadier General Graham Edward Shirley, USAF Retired, passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2021, at his home in San Antonio, Texas.

General Shirley was born on January 4, 1943, in Starkville, Mississippi. He grew up on a farm in West Point, MS, and graduated from West Point High School in 1961. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and enrolled in the Air Force Academy Preparatory School in 1962, graduating in 1963. He was the first USAFA Prep School grade to be promoted to general officer. He was a Distinguished Graduate in the USAF Academy Class of 1966, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in both Engineering Management and International Affairs and the first '66 grad to make general. In 1973, he earned a Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of Southern California. He was a distinguished graduate of the Air War College, the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Seminar XXI. From 1972 onward, he was also a member of the International Institute of Strategic Studies in London.

General Shirley attended pilot training at Craig Air Force Base in Selma, AL, in 1967. His first assignment was flying KC-135s at Columbus Air Force Base, MS. In 1969, he volunteered for combat duty, flying the RF-4C with the 16th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron at Tan Son Nhut Air Base in South Vietnam. In June 1970, he transferred to the 14th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand, where he continued to fly combat missions as an Instructor Pilot and Squadron Executive Officer.

In 1971, General Shirley joined the l0th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, RAF Alconbury, England. He transferred to Headquarters 3rd Air Force, RAF Mildenhall, where he served as aide-de-camp to the commander. He was assigned to the Pentagon in 1973 as Assistant Executive Officer to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Operations. In 1974, General Shirley was assigned to the 43rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, AK, as an F-4E Instructor Pilot and Assistant Operations Officer.

From 1976-79, General Shirley served tours at Headquarters 8th Air Force, Barksdale AFB, LA, as Operations Officer of the 393rd Bombardment Squadron, at Pease AFB, NH, flying FB-111s, and as Commander of the 84th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Castle AFB, CA, flying the F-106.

In 1980, General Shirley was assigned once again to the Pentagon, where he served as Chief of the Middle East-Africa Division, Assistant Deputy Director for Regional Plans and Policy, and Deputy Assistant Director for Joint and National Security Council matters. He attended the Air War College in residence. Upon graduation he was selected to command the 86th Tactical Fighter Group at Ramstein AFB, Germany flying the F-4E.

In 1986 General Shirley was assigned to the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing at RAF Upper Heyford, England as the Vice Wing Commander, flying the F-111E. He was the acting Commander when Operation El Dorado Canyon was executed against targets in Libya. Shortly afterward he assumed full Command of the 20th Wing and served with great distinction. Under his leadership, the 20th TFW swept every major operational award, including the AF Outstanding ribbon.

He returned to the Air Staff in July 1988 as Deputy Director for Regional Plans and Policy. In June 1990 he returned to Texas as Vice Commander of Air Force Intelligence Command, at Kelly Air Force Base, where he served until his retirement in 1992, after 31 years of distinguished service.

General Shirley was a Command Pilot with 3,000+ flying hours, including more than two hundred combat missions during two tours of duty in Southeast Asia. He has been combat-ready in the following aircraft: KC-135, RF-4C, FB-111A, F-106A/B, F-4D/E, and F-111E. He also flew the T-41, T-37, and T-38. His military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with 11 oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with "V" device and 11 oak leaf clusters, Combat Readiness Medal with oak leaf cluster, Vietnam Service Medal with seven service stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation.

After retirement, Graham Shirley went on to a distinguished career in the private sector. He founded and was CEO of The Pegasus Group, an international trade and consulting firm, and served as the CEO of Westland Helicopter. General Shirley also spent more than a decade as a senior member of the public services teams at KPMG LLP, KPMG Consulting, Rapidigm, and BearingPoint. He served on the Board of the Confiance Group and was senior board member of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA).

General Shirley was a Trustee of the Falcon Foundation at the United States Air Force Academy. He was the driving force behind the creation of the Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation (AFAAC), which supports the Air Force Athletic Department mission and generates revenue to support Air Force Intercollegiate Athletics.

Graham E. Shirley is preceded in death by his father, Herman M. Shirley, Sr, his mother Helen Lang Shirley, and his brother Dr. Douglas P. Shirley.

He is survived by his wife of more than 25 years, Deborah Long-Shirley, his daughters Jennifer Kathryn Shirley and Caryn Shirley Daun (Kyle).

He is also survived by his brothers Herman M. Shirley, Jr. (Roxalynn) and Carl G. Shirley and nephews Douglas "Carey" Shirley (Aki), Joseph P. Shirley, James H. Shirley and his daughter Danilynn, and Paul M. Shirley and his son T.J.

He is also survived by stepson Tyler Trice (Lissa), grandsons Carson, Patrick, and Owen. The grandchildren love their "GMan".

A memorial service is planned for late January of 2022 at Chapel #1, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph in San Antonio, TX. Friends and family wishing to attend will need to RSVP to the JBSA-Randolph Protocol Office. Details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be most honored by memorial donations made in Graham Edward Shirley's name to:

French Camp Academy

One Fine Place

French Camp, Mississippi 39745

(662) 547-6482

www.frenchcamp.org

Military-Civilian Charitable Foundation

P.O Box 6495

San Antonio, TX 78209

www.milcivfoundation.com

Kendalleise Rescue Ranch

354 Big Sur

Blanco, TX 78606

www.kendalleise.com

San Antonio Cancer Council

c/o Mays Cancer Center

7979 Wurzbach Rd, Suite U600

San Antonio, TX 78229

www.sacancercouncil.org

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Published by Express-News on Nov. 28, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for GRAHAM SHIRLEY

Sponsored by Porter Loring Mortuary North.

9 Entries

Peter Akajiuba

February 9, 2022

May your kind, friendly and always happy soul rest in peace until we meet again.

To Graham's family, May the good Lord grant you the strength and fortitude you need at this time to bear this irreplaceable loss. The good Lord console you.

Peggy Trice Vernon

January 30, 2022

Prayers for strength and comfort during this difficult time! Fond memories!
Sincere condolences!

Kathryn Clark

January 28, 2022

Debby, I will always remember the love and respect Graham´s friends expressed for him at your wedding. I knew then he was a very special man marrying a very special lady. I´m so sorry for your loss, but happy he filled your life with love and memories. It was my privilege to know Graham. He was a gentleman with a kind smile when he was with you, sweet friend.

Elaine Hitzfelder

January 16, 2022

We were so saddened to hear of Graham´s passing. He was always so kind, generous, and welcoming. We always enjoyed his company. I often visited with him when he came to worship at Coker. He will be missed. May Deborah, his daughters, brothers, and all of the family feel God´s loving arms of comfort holding them close. Graham is now happy and whole with Jesus!

Connie Ellis Durbin

January 13, 2022

To all of my Shirley family I am so sad to hear of Eddy's death and send my love to you all. May you be comforted by your memories and love for each other.

Paul Hester

January 13, 2022

Eddy and I grew up in the same hometown...He graduated a few years earlier, but his after High School path was different in the 60s and it stood out. We both served full careers in the AF but not together. Our bond was AF Blue and Hometown. He was always gracious with his time, wisdom and friendship. As he "Flew West," his memories remain strong.

Paul Landreth

December 30, 2021

I would like to share a memory I have of Gen Graham E. Shirley. I was stationed with the 20th TFW at RAF Upper Heyford from June 1984 to June 1987, I was a young 22 year old SrA Crash Rescue Firefighter when Gen Shirley (Col at that time) was assigned there as the Vice Wing Commander and then as the Wing Commander. I remember the few occasions that I had contact with him he always had a smile on his face was was friendly and from my perspective cared very much about the 20th TFW and the people in that Wing. I am now retired from the Air Force and currently schedule appointments for JBSA, one day about a year ago Gen Shirley called and said "Hello my name is Graham E. Shirley and I need to schedule an appointment. I Immediately recognized his voice and name, I then asked him if he was the same Graham E. Shirley that was the 20th TFW Wing Commander from RAF Upper Heyford back in the 80's. He replied he was and I then told him I was one of his Airman assigned there from 84 to 87. We talked for about 20 Min and at the end of our conversation he said after the pandemic settles down a bit he would like to get together and have lunch with me and as he said goodbye on the phone he said "Thanks for remembering me, it means a great deal to me". I told him its easy to remember a great Wing Commander that took care of the mission and welfare of his people. I found out on 29 Dec 21 that the General had passed away in November. I was very sad to
hear of his passing and wish we could have met for lunch to talk Air Force, F-111's and Upper Heyford. I will always remember Gen Shirley fondly as a kind and friendly man. He will never be forgotten and he will be missed greatly by all who knew him.

Paul Landreth
TSgt USAF RET.

Neal L. Crossland

December 11, 2021

General Shirley was an exceptional leader and will be sorely missed by those of us who served with him, and those yet to experience the level of leadership he displayed. As a Chief Master Sergeant, my time under his command was the high point of my 33 year career. Aim high and touch the face of God, General.

Brad Ashton

November 30, 2021

Eddie was a favorite for most of us classmates. We miss him now and will for a long time - for his humor, infectious laugh, happy demeanor and willingness to help out. A very memorable guy!

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