Richard Willis Shirkey

Richard Willis Shirkey, 81, of Lynchburg, VA passed away on Friday, April 7, 2023, at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. He was born in Memphis, MI on January 30, 1942. A son of the late Willis Wilborn Shirkey and Barbara Jane Wilson Shirkey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Larry Wayne Dooley Jr. and a brother, Robert “Bobby” Shirkey.

Richard retired from General Motors after 42 years of service. He was an avid sports fan and especially loved baseball. He was all about his family roots in Michigan. His favorite sports teams were the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Tigers. After moving to Virginia Richard became a huge fan of the Lynchburg Hillcats having season tickets for many years. Richard was also a shareholder for the Green Bay Packers. He loved to travel and always looked forward to family trips and adventures. He was loved dearly by his family and friends and will be missed each day.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Cleo Shirkey; three children, Christine Shirkey, Alisha Crouch and her husband, Matthew, and James “Jay” Sines, IV; four grandchildren, Larry “Trey” Dooley, III, Madison Crouch, Ella-Mae Dooley and Jackson Crouch; one brother, George Shirkey and his wife, Margaret. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, many friends, and four legged best friend Blaze.

For those wishing to make memorial contributions in Richard’s memory please consider the American Leukemia Foundation or Charity of Choice.

A graveside service and celebration of Richard’s life will be conducted at 1:00pm on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at Holy Land Cemetery in Bedford. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00pm on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford. To send condolences online please visit tharpfuenralhome.com. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford is assisting the family.