R. D. SHIRLEY
August 14, 1925 to July 5, 2023
Del City, Oklahoma

R.D.'s Obituary

R. D. Shirley passed away on July 5, 2023 at the age of 97 peacefully to His Lord Jesus Christ. He was born in Dry Prong in Grant Parrish, Louisiana during the depression on a farm. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dee Shirley and Clara Ivy Shirley plus six siblings. His two surviving siblings, Mrs. Jackie Mayeau (James) and Mr. Virgil Shirley both live in Louisiana.   

He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Ann of 46 years, son Steve Shirley (Dee Dee), and grandchildren Derek and Jayna all of Maryland. His other son Doug (Annie) lives in Texas.    Stepchildren James Neal Dillard (Karole) of Virginia and Wanda Dillard of Oklahoma with their families including four grandchildren: Katie Hobbs (David), Connie Mills (Dustin), Philip Pope (Hannah), and James Dillard III (Brooke), and eleven great grandchildren to R.D. and Mary Ann. 

R.D. served in the Army during WWII in Italy, France, and Germany where he was wounded by German tank fire, receiving the Purple Heart. He served in the 45^th Infantry and then the 8^th Army Air Force before transferring to the newly formed Air Force where he served until retirement after 27 years as Chief Master Sergeant. He also served in the Korean and Vietnam wars, both in combat zones. 

Graveside services are being held at Ft. Sill National Cemetery on Monday August 14, 2023 at 1:00 P.M.