Funeral services for Albert Shirley, 84, of Portales, will be at 2:00 PM, Fri., Feb. 17, 2017 at Calvary Baptist Church in Portales, with Rev. Brad Morgan officiating. Burial will follow in the Portales Cemetery with Jerud Butler, Jason Butler, Colten Butler, Nick Holms, Tom Jacoby and Randy Lewellen serving as pallbearers. All of Albert’s church family will serve as honorary pallbearers. Military honors will be rendered by American Legion Post #31.
Albert Eugene Shirley was born in Arch, NM on Feb. 19, 1932 to Holbert and Blanche Wallis Shirley and was the eldest son of 11 children. Albert went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017, with his loving family by his side, five days short of his 85th birthday.
He was drafted into the U. S. Army in 1952, proudly serving his country in Korea and was honorably discharged in 1954. He served as a Gunner Sergeant in the 39th Field Artillery Battalion, Battery “A.” Albert married “the love of his life,” Genevia Turnbough, on July 11, 1954. Two daughters, Roxie Diane and Kathy Colleen made their family complete.
He was a gifted man, and “Jack-of-all-trades,” building his community and country with his hands. Albert was successful as a farmer, carpenter, licensed contractor, and businessman, having built many beautiful homes. In the 1960’s, he started Shirley Fence Company where he manufactured chain link, and installed both chain link and cedar fencing.
Albert was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church for more than 50 years. He drove the church bus, picked up children and adults, and brought them to church. This strong, good man could be found welcoming all with his quiet but lingering smile. He was a devoted and truly loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend.
He is survived by his wife, Genevia of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Diane and Jerry McClaskey of Grand Junction, CO and Kathy and Randy Lewellen of Midland, TX; four grandchildren, Jerud (Tamara) Butler, Jason (Aimee) Butler, Kendra (Nick) Holms, and Kacci (Tom) Jacoby; eight great-grandchildren, Destanie (Butler) and husband, Zach Forbes, Colten Butler, Brylea Butler, McKenzie Holms, Benjamin Holms, Aliyah Holms, Gage Jacoby and Levi Jacoby; five sisters, Alice Collins, Wanda Reed, Doris Brown, Peggy Sue Gaynor and Judy Clark; and a brother, Delman Shirley. Mr. Shirley was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Ronnie Shirley, and three sisters, Arlene Griffith, Marie Kimbrell-Hatch and Barbara Carter-Goddard.