Elzie Shirley

CASA GRANDE - Elzie Shirley passed away at age 90 on February 21, 2020 after a long courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was born July 14, 1929 to James Isom Shirley and Clydia Mae (Bailey) Shirley at Dunbar, Oklahoma. They moved west for his dad's health and Elzie resided in Arizona for about 83 years. At one time he knew nearly everyone in the Casa Grande area.

He was a great storyteller and had many at the ready. One of the family favorites was that while serving in the Army (1946-48), he stopped at a bus station in Texas on his way back to Fort Hood. He met a "gorgeous gal" working behind the counter and immediately told his buddy, "That gal's for me." Thus began a marriage to Lynn that lasted 71 years. He enjoyed western movies and his dog, Ariel.

Elzie is survived by his wife Lynn, his daughter Tanya (Thomas) Haney, 10 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson, his brother Russell German Jr., and his sister Ramona German. He was preceded in death by his sons Kirby Shirley and Mike Shirley, brother Travis German, sister Winnie Mae Burns, and great-granddaughter Madison Craghead.

Visitation beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 29, with service at 3 p.m., at J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel.