Ira “Tiny” L. Shirley, of 256 High Street Bradford left this world on January 15, 2024.
Tiny was born at home in Sugar Grove, on October 8, 1960, the youngest son of the late Herman and Florence Shirley. He attended Jamestown, NY schools before moving to Bradford where he married Debra (McCracken) Shirley on March 17, 1992.
He was an avid outdoorsman, he could always be found on the banks of Willow Bay, looking for that monster buck, fishing for a giant pike or on a Bigfoot hunt with his grandson Jamel Jr. He’d never refuse an invitation to go night fishing and would most likely beat you there.
Tiny was a superior storyteller, and kept his family enamored for hours just listening to his tales of growing up in Jamestown. Or his adventures with his many siblings, friends, and family. He was always willing to give a free concert when any of his favorite bands came on, especially Metallica. His family is going to miss his infectious sense of humor most. He could always turn a frown upside down. He will be especially missed at our family gatherings.
Tiny worked in auto mechanics at various places throughout his life. He especially loved to work on muscle cars. If he couldn’t fix it, nobody could. He was always willing to lend a hand and became well rounded in multiple trades.
He had a great love for all his children, Shyanne Shirley, Bradford. Josh (Stacey Taylor) Shirley Findley Lake, NY. Rob (Kelly) Neff, Cyclone, Kristy (Tim) Weaver, Lewis Run, Tasha (Paul) Marion III, Bradford, and a greater love for his grandchildren, Elaina “his Laney bug” Tarabori who held an extra special place in his heart, Ivy Master, Jamel Jr. and Sophia Burney, Marianna Johnson, Danielle (Parker Harris) Weaver, Ellexus (Garret) Evan, Jolynne (Devon Brown) Weaver, Tacoma (Jason Arellano) Weaver, Christin (Nick) Yanik, Mackensy (Gary Haskins) Neff, Trent Neff, Taylor (Jake Vicic) Neff, Danaka Neff, Payton Neff, Maddi Vergith. Paul Marion IV and Gabriella Marion.
He was excited to get to be a part of his great grandchildren’s lives all nine of them, along with the two on the way. His love for them showed, and there was never a doubt how much he loved being their Papa.
Besides his wife of 32 years, He is also survived by his sisters, Wilma (Bob) Buchanan and Cheryl Leak. Brothers, Roger (Lorie) Shirley and Bill Shirley, a few special nephews and nieces; Duane (Ashley) Shirley, Eddie (Jada) Shirley, Allen Shirley, and niece Tina (Jeff) Keeler.
He is also survived by a special family friend Shirley Middlebrough, and an honorary daughter Mary Anthony.
He was preceded in death by his parents, several brothers and sisters, and his mother-in-law, Noreen McCracken.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 9, 2024, at he Lions Community Club, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com