Bobby Wayne Shirley

Bobby Wayne Shirley, 82, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 28, 2024, with his loving family by his side. Bob was born on November 11, 1941 to his parents, Cecil Shirley and Ruby (Strode) Shirley. On August 19, 1961, Bob married the love of his life, Barbara Jean (Driver) Shirley and the two were thankful to share 62 years together. 

Bob graduated from Tipton High School in the class of 1960. He worked for Steel Parts in Tipton; after 41 years of employment, he retired in 2004. Bob was truly one of those people who lived to work, and always kept himself busy. He had a broad skillset and could fix almost anything.  He was an expert in woodworking as well as home building and repair. He was also a gifted mechanic and had several cars he completely rebuilt through the years. Mustangs were his favorite! Bob very much enjoyed sharing his hobbies with his sons and grandchildren.  

Bob had a bit of a serious demeanor. He was very motived, goal oriented, and focused. He was an incredibly dependable husband, father and grandfather. Despite his attempt to sometimes present a tough exterior; he was actually a big softie with a very kind heart. There is nothing Bob enjoyed more than being a grandpa. He didn’t miss a single activity that one of his grandchildren was involved in. Sundays were always Bob’s favorite day of the week. It was the day he and his sweet wife set aside to practice thankfulness and reinvest in their family. Bob was a fearless leader for those he loved, and he will be missed beyond measure! 

Those left to carry on Bob’s legacy of love are his wife, Barbara Shirley; sons, Jeff (Lisa) Shirley, Mark (Sabrin) Shirley, Brian Shirley (Shelly Grice); grandchildren, Adam Shirley, Zach (Carly) Shirley, Harlie Shirley, Taylor Shirley, Tyler Shirley, Candace Blaylock, Madison (Shane) Bullick, Hannah (Martin) Yocum, Savannah Shirley; great grandchildren, Zoey Shirley, Emma Shirley, Olivia Shirley, Nova Netherton, Atreus Netherton, Gabriel Yocum; siblings, Clara (Frank) Johns, Clotelle Grimsley, Edgar Morris (Patricia Rose) Shirley, Evelyn Lewellen, Jerry (Carolyn Sue) Shirley, Carolyn (Ronnie) Pickering; brother and sister in-laws, Pat England, Ronnie (Vicky) Driver, Rebecca Murray, Ralph Driver, Rick (Tammy) Driver, Ike (Liz) Driver, Terry Driver, Randy Driver, Tim Driver; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.    

Bob was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Cecil and Ruby Shirley; brothers, Carl Shirley – infant, Rondal Shirley, David Shirley; sister-in-law, Evon Shirley; brothers-in-law, John Grimsley, Mike Lewellen, and Vasco England.  

A funeral service celebrating Bob’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 314 N. Main St. In Tipton with Pastor Edgar Shirley officiating. Visitation for family and friends will take place prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be held directly after the service at Tipton’s Fairview Cemetery.  

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Shirley family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence or share a special memory of Bob with his family on his tribute wall.   

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