Obituary of Eugene Abram Shirley

Eugene Abram Abe Shirley 84, of Cortland passed away September 7, 2013, surrounded by his loving family Abe was born September 24, 1928 in Scott, NY the son of the late John F. and Lena Johnson Shirley. Abe graduated from St Marys High School, and SUNY Morrisville, then went on to serve his country with the US Army during the Korean Conflict. Abe was employed at Sun Pipe Line Company for 41 years retiring as foreman. Abe was an avid bowler and card player. He was active in Boy Scouts, enjoyed spending time in Florida, meeting friends for breakfast, but most of all spending time with his family especially his grandchildren . Abe is survived by his wife of 59 years Betty Tilford Shirley of Cortland, his son John (Karen) Shirley of Homer, daughter Cindy (Greg) Benz of Truxton , grandchildren: Jessica (Dillon) Young, Kaylee Benz, Sara (Jeff) Stark, Lauren Shirley, his sister Mary Hazard of Cortland, nieces Lana Ashcroft, Shirley (Larry) Spearman, Susan (Colin) Cummins, nephews Bob Tilford Jr., Tom Hazard , and Abes canine companion Maggie. In addition to his parents Abe was predeceased by his brother in law Harold Hazard, and niece Joan Lawrence. A memorial service will be held 6:00 pm Thursday at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home 9 Lincoln Ave. At Abes request there are no calling hours. Anyone wishing to make a memorial Contribution in Abes names is asked to consider the Cortland County SPCA 879 McLean Road Cortland, NY 13045 To offer online condolences visit www.wright-beard.com We, at the 7-Eleven/Wilson Farms store, were very sorry to hear of the loss of this wonderful, pleasant gentleman. We would like to offer our condolences to his family. Often, we would look forward to Abe coming in the morning to pick up his daily newspaper, and he would visit for a few minutes with each of the associates there. He brightened every morning there, and we have missed his smile every day. May his family find peace and comfort in knowing how loved he was in his community and what a mark he made on so many people. 7-Eleven/Wilson Farms Crew My condolences to the Shirley family. I can only say that my time working with Abe at Sun Pipe Line in the 1980s was one I remember fondly. Abe was very much a professional and a gentleman. And yes, I was fortunate to have had a few occasions to have tracked Abe down early in the morning to share a cup of coffee with him after his retirement. Dave Meadows - Sun Pipe Line Dear Betty, Cindy, John and families, Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. It has been years since I have seen most of you, but you were not out of my heart. Abe will be missed, but you have your loving memories to keep you going. Blessings to all. Mary Fitser Babcock I was very sadden to here that Abe has passed away. He was a great influence on me when I was a boy. He gave so much of his time and effort to Boy Scouts, and he will always be remembered. He was always so very good to me, and could always make me laugh. I will miss him very much. My heart goes out to Betty, John, Cindy and the rest of his family. Abe was a very good man who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Michael L. Munn My deepest sympathies and condolences to Betty and their children. I rented an apartment from them many years ago, (1975), while my husband was in the service. Two of the sweetest people I had the privilege of meeting. May God be with you in your time of loss. Father, please wrap your loving arms around this family. Give them comfort and peace. Ease their grief and fill them with joyful memories of "Abe". In Jesus name I ask these things. Amen. Belinda D. Walker Betty, John and Cindy..very sorry to hear of Abe's passing. He was a good neighbor, friend, father and Scoutmaster. I will remember him with fondness always. One of my best memories of Abe is when he chased me around Camp Purchas and dumped a box of flour over my head. Godspeed, Abe. Scott Goodrich I was saddened to hear about Abe. Many memories come to mind from the original Sun Pipeline warehouse listening to the teletype and getting a drink in a paper cup to playing Army in the backyard on Evergreen with the neighborhood kids to all the great times with the Boy Scouts. What a great place to grow up. Betty, Cindy and John all my best to you. Abe will be missed! Gil S. Munn John And I would like to express our deepest sympathy to all. If there is anything I can help with give me a call. Or maybe just to talk. Sometimes it helps. Donna Partigianoni John, My deepest sympathies to you and your family on the loss of your father. It is hard to loose a parent. May you find comfort and smiles in all the wonderful memories that you have. I remember your family, fondly, from living on Evergeen Street, and then discovering many years later to have a former neighbor as a co-worker. Sincerely, Brenda Gorman So saddened to learn of Abe's passing. I remember so well his humor. Abe and my father enjoyed each other and volunteered together for a great boy scout experience for many boys in the neighborhood. My condolences and hope that his memory remains strong. Brad Grainger Brad, Scott and Mike have already expressed it, and likely better -- Abe was an inspiration to boys and adults alike in the Scouting movement, and one not to overlook the BS part of the BSA. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all -- he was one of the best.Fred Schühle