Ronald Ervin Shirley

Age 72, of Minerva, died Sat., Dec. 12, 2020 in his home surrounded by his family. He was born July 12, 1948 in Canton to Ervin and Betty Jane (Haney) Shirley. He retired from his trucking business, Ron Shirley Trucking and had worked for the Minerva Wax Paper and Ashland Marathon. He is a US Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War, having served on the USS America as a plane captain and was stationed out of Cecil Field in Jacksonville, FL. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and loved drag racing and flying model airplanes. He graduated from Minerva High School in 1966.

He is survived by his wife, Nellie (Marteney) Shirley whom he married Oct. 6, 1967, daughter, Shelly (Matthew) Reese of Zoar, son, Eric Shirley of Minerva, 2 sisters, Connie (Jim) McCort, Cindy (Tiny) Ferguson of Alliance, brother, Jim Shirley of Robertsville, sister-in-law, Norma Shirley of Paris, 2 grandchildren; Dyllan (Keisha) Shirley of Malvern, Desirae Shirley of East Rochester, 3 great grandchildren, Mya, Bow and Harlyn Shirley, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by sister-in-law, Susie Shirley and a brother, John Shirley.

Funeral services with military honors will be Tuesday at 6:00 pm in the Gotschall-Hutchison Funeral Home in Minerva with Chaplain Larry Karlen officiating. Calling hours will be Tuesday 2 hours prior to services from 4-6 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled Veterans or the American Cancer Society.