Robert Eugene Shirley, age 63 years, a resident of Manassas, Va., departed this life Sunday, March 15, 2015 at the Prince William County Hospital, Virginia. Death was due to an unexpected heart attack. He had been in his usual health.
He was born Sept. 27, 1951 at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC. He was the son of the late Richard Eugene Shirley and Betty Lea (Haller) Shirley of Manassas, Va. His grandparents were the late Howard B. Haller and Summa E. Haller of Parsons. He was married to Carol McFall and was later divorced.
Surviving are one daughter, Sherry Lynn Taylor and husband Earl of Manassas and two granddaughters Destiny Marie and Summer Lynn. Two sisters; Ann Knotts and husband Ralph of Falls Church, Va., Linda Persutti of Hannahsville and two brothers; Ricky Shirley of Montrose and Charlie Tate of Hambleton. Also surviving are his Aunt Rita and Uncle David Roberts of Hambleton, Aunt Emma Jean and Uncle Earl Haller of Parsons and numerous nieces and great-nephews.
He attended Tucker County Schools before moving to Virginia in 1971. He retired after thirty years of service with the Parks and Recreation Department for Arlington County, Va. After retirement, his days were filled being busy with his two granddaughters, who were the apples of his eye. Every morning and evening, Robbie would take them to the bus stop along with his dog, Buck, and wait patiently for the girls to arrive from school. Robbie always had a smile on his face and a joke for everyone. He loved to fish and could dance your legs off all night. He was always supportive and would come running if you needed his help. There is going to be a big hole in this family with him gone.
The family received friends at the Pearce Funeral Home in Manassas on Thursday March 19 and final rites were conducted at the funeral home on March 20. Interment followed at the Bright View Cemetery in Warrenton, Va.