Neal Shirley, 89, passed away August 21, 2017 at his home with family by his side. Neal was born in Cave City, Arkansas to Audie and Maxie Shirley, the second oldest of 11 children.
Neal’s passion was harness racing. If you ever wanted to find Neal and his wife, just look for a race track. Together they owned, trained and raced many horses all his life. Couple of Neal’s favorite horses were Poplar Heels and Trixie Goldenboy.
Neal is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Lucy Shirley; along with children, Mildred (Gary) Freeman, Converse, Cathy (Tom) Brewer, Wabash, Linda (Randy) Dever, Converse; daughter in law, Joey Shirley, Missouri; 7 grandchildren, Bob (Kim) Freeman, Bret Freeman, Charlie Shirley, Tim Brewer, Tamie Cavins, Jennifer (John) Tuttle, Jeff (Emily) Dever; 11 great grandchildren; siblings, Dorotha Bone, Bertha (Jim) Buffington, William (Marie) Shirley, Joyce (Benny) Taylor; and brother in law, Ray Qualls.
He is preceded in death by son Charles Shirley, Missouri and 6 siblings all from Arkansas.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Converse Church of Christ, 301 E. Wabash St. Converse, IN 46919 with visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Officiating will be Bruce Everett. Burial to immediately follow service at Converse Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family ask for donations to be made to the Harness Horse Youth Foundation or Converse Volunteer Fire Department.
Don and Janie Cantrell says
Miss Lucy, Don and I were so saddened to hear of Neal’s passing. Prayers for you and your family.
Mary Barker says
My family and I are so sorry..so many of the older ones are going on and I will always remember Neal’s mom and dad ..I will always remember as I was growing up how my dad and my Grandpa Ring were always together and all the memories that I can remember of our family..our thoughts and prayers out to all!.Mary Ring Barker..
Terry and Karen says
Jeff, Emily, and Sonora: sorry for the loss of your grandfather and great-grandfather. He taught you well about horses and the love of horses. His companionship will continue to be with you as you three race, ride, and care for horses in the years to come.
Our thought and our prayers are with you and your entire family.
Roger and Debbie Cullipher says
So sorry to hear of the passing of Neal. Prayers for Ms. Lucy and their family’s.
Frye Family says
So sorry to hear of your loss! Neal was a great guy and a great horsemen! Prayers from the Frye family!
Barbara Anderdon says
Sorry for your loss Lucy praying for you
theresa neupert says
Cathy/tom ,and family so very sorry for your loss. May God wrap his loving arms around you and comfort you during this very difficult time. Sincerely Theresa Neupert
Karen (Baker) Gilson says
So sorry for your loss Lucy. I’ve always thought the world of you & Neal. My prayers are with you and the family.
Dick and Jan says
Dear Mildred, Our prayers are going up for you and your family.
Jody says
So sorry for your loss Ms. Lucy our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jody and Krystal Canarr, Joan and David Brown
Jesse and Jera Larkins says
We were very sorry to hear about Neal. He will be missed. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Bart and Cheryl Fink says
So sorry for your loss! Prayers for all of your family!!
Rick & Sandy Mapes says
We are so sorry for your loss Lucy and family.
Lois says
Thinking of you with love!
Shirley Powell says
We will miss Uncle O’Neal. I am sorry that we cannot come to the funeral; mom said that she does not feel up to coming and she had a CT Scan this afternoon. We love you guys and will pray for the family.
Kim Adkins says
Prayers with you.
Connie and Sammy Stephen says
We will miss Neal he was a great guy, and always in a good mood. Every time I saw him he was laughing about somthing. He had a good run and a great wife. We are so sorry Lucy.