During the 1940s, there was a country boy raised with 13 brothers and sisters in the small town of Gordo, Alabama- Joseph Mitchell Shirley. Joseph, also known as Joe, was 10th out of the 13 children from his loving parents. His upbringing made him a hardworking, family-oriented, and a God-Fearing man. Family was his truest treasure, most importantly his wife, Gail Shirley, his children, Wanda Shirley Elliott and Joseph Mitchell Shirley Jr., his grandchildren, Danielle Elliott Bull and Richard Elliott and his great grandson, Parker Bull. For 64 years, Joseph and Gail had a wonderful loving marriage that was ordained by God. Gail Shirley was the bee to his honey. They lived by example as devout Christians, parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.
A father, a grandfather, and great-grandfather was without a doubt Joe's favorite role in life. His children were the key to his heart. All his children learned quickly in life if they could not fix it, they could call "papa" to fix it. There was no task, project, or situation, that was impossible for him to solve. His wisdom, advice and kindness will forever be passed on for generations to come.
Fresh out of high school, Joe started at Woolworth which later became Woolco. When Woolco shut down, Joseph started on a new career with Wal-Mart until he retired in 2005. His years as a store manager, training manager and store director impacted many lives. Joseph "Joe" Shirley's heart would help any soul that entered his store at Wal-Mart whether it may be in Alabama, Georgia, or Florida. He was always ready to look for ways to help provide kindness and solution to any hardship that may appear in his store in his time as Store Director. Any employee of Joe Shirley's was never ignored. Joe would pray for guidance or read God's word to find a solution. He taught about Jesus' love and his word. His love for the Lord was so profound that everyone could see he absolutely loved the Lord and our Father until he joined him at the heavenly gates and gained his wings.
March 19, 1939 ~ July 18, 2022 (age 83)
Public Visitation Saturday July 23, 2022 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home 6040 Three Notch Road Mobile, AL 36619 Funeral Service Saturday July 23, 2022 10:00 AM Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home
Loving and praying for all of Gail and Joe’s family. We had made many great memories as we all grew up together. No telephone to young to drive, we were always walking to see friends. Sometimes down the railroad tracks, when it was closer than the roads.
Times are easy now. But we have the happiest feeling Joe is with God. We know we will see him tomorrow.