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Thomas Shirley

Thomas Edward Shirley

1937 - 2018

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Obituary of Thomas Edward Shirley

Mr. Thomas Edward Shirley, age 81 a resident of Winter Haven, Florida passed away Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale. Mr. Shirley was born January 21, 1937 in Reed, Oklahoma to James Marvin and Nelma (Cooper) Shirley. He was a Winter Haven resident for the past month coming from Texas. Tom was a Helicopter Pilot for the United States Army, then retiring as a W-4 after 22 years of flying Black Hawk Helicopters and occasionally piloted General Westmoreland during his tour. Tom was a decorated Vietnam Veteran with many Medals & Commendations; Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal w/V Device and Numerals 22, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Metal, Parachutist Badge, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Ribbon w/Numeral 2, Combat Infantryman, Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Silver Service Star, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Master Army Aviator Badge and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/Palm.  He was a member of the Killeen American Legion, the Killeen V.F.W. and enjoyed farming. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter – Pam and brother – James.Tom is survived by; Wife of 23 years:  Jean Shirley of Winter Haven, Florida, Son: Michael Shirley of Kansas,  Daughter: Micala (Jim) Fendley of Kansas, Stepdaughter:  Pamela (Joseph) Carroll of Bartow, Florida,   4 Grandchildren: Jessika, Nikki, Mysha & Chenoa , 3 Great Grandchildren:  Lon, Emiliana & Annalis, 2 Step Grandsons.   

 An inurnment will be held at a later date at the Killeen National Veteran’s Cemetery in Texas.                       

         

 

 

 

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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Kersey Funeral Home