William Shirah

AIKEN – William Jessie Shirah, 88, beloved husband of Blanche Hayes Shirah, passed away September 26, 2012. Born in West Columbia, SC to the late Willie J. and Lessie Marie Shirah, William served in USNR during WWII then becoming a police officer for the Columbia Police Department. He also was a private pilot, a member of the American Legion Post 40-8, a York Rite Freemason, and a member of the VFW in Columbia. Survivors, in addition to his wife, include a son, Michael (Marilyn) Shirah, Pfuger, TX; a stepson, Robert (Deborah) Hayes, Aiken; and six grandchildren, Tisha Oden, Mandy Stentiford, Jessicah Kean, Cory Hayes, Tyler Hayes, Patrick Shirah and seven great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by a son, Patrick S. Shirah. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, October 1, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Shellhouse Funeral Home with the Rev. Dexter Lambert officiating. Interment will follow at 2:00 PM at Crescent Hills Cemetery, 2603 Two Notch Rd., Columbia, SC with military honors. Pallbearers will be Robert Hayes, Cory Hayes, Tyler Hayes, Keith Abney, and Robern Kean. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Savannah River Cancer Foundation, P.O. 3694 Aiken, SC 29802. Please visit Mr. Shirah’s online guest book at www.shellhousefuneralhome.com The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until the service on Monday, October 1, at SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801 To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William Shirah, please visit our flower store.