Paul William Shirley

Paul William Shirley, 83, of Dahlonega passed away Saturday December 23, 2017 at his residence following a period of declining health.

Born February 2, 1934 to the late Talley and Allie Shirley in Atlanta, Mr. Shirley had been a resident of Dahlonega for the last 45 years. Paul was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Dahlonega Ward and the American Legion.  He was a graduate of Faith Grammar School, Murphy Junior High School and Roosevelt High School in Atlanta.  After high School Paul entered the Air Force and served in Korea where he was wounded and received The Purple Heart.  After several operations Paul was transferred back to the USA where he met his wife, Ann Patterson and later married in 1955.  Continuing to rehab from his injuries, Mr. Shirley attended college and earned a BA in Business Administration from Georgia State University, a Banking Degree from The American Institute of Banking, and a BS in Nursing from North Georgia College.  After college Paul worked for First National Bank in Atlanta where he was in charge of construction of new branches and the remodeling of their 41 story building.  After his time with First National Bank, he and his wife owned and operated Shirley’s Convalescent Center, now known as Gold City in Dahlonega for a number of years until selling in 1975.  After which Paul worked for a national nursing home chain until his retirement.  Affectionately known as “Pops the Biscuit Man”, for many years Mr. Shirley would make and deliver sausage biscuits free of charge to some of the large companies in Dahlonega.  With great love and devotion to his family Mr. Shirley was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ann Shirley; son, Michael Shirley; brothers, James H. Shirley, John T. Shirley, Jesse R. Shirley; sisters, Marion Dansie, Florence McGurrin, Sarah Mayo, Unice Shirley; three great grandchildren.

Surviving are his son, James Shirley, Dahlonega; daughters and sons in law, Paula and Bill Wright, Missoula, Montana, Janna Lynn and Harvey Sutton, Cleveland; foster children, Francine and Marie Parker of the Cherokee Tribe in Cherokee, North Carolina; brothers and sisters in law, Richard and Joan Shirley, Gainesville, Lloyd and Sandra Shirley, Memphis, Tennessee; 8 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Memorial services will be held Friday December 29, 2017 at 9 a.m. at Georgia National Cemetery.  Bishop Michael Wall will officiate.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday December 28, 2017 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints, Dahlonega Ward C/O Bishop Michael Wall, 72 Fern Park Lane, Dawsonville, GA 30534. 

Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.

Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.