Shirley Harvill Kalinowski, 87, passed away on March 21, 2026. A beloved and cherished presence to those who knew her, she will be remembered for the generous, hard-working, honest, loyal, and resilient way she moved through life. Shirley was a resident of Old Hickory, Tennessee.
Born on May 29, 1938, Shirley was born and raised in Lyles, Tennessee—roots she carried with her in quiet strength and steady pride. Those who loved her best knew her as strong-willed and independent, someone who did things her own way and did them well.
Shirley spent most of her professional career as the Treasurer for Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs), who serve small private airplanes (like Cirrus, Cessna, and light jets) by acting as dedicated private terminals, providing specialized services such as hangar parking, quick fueling, and pilot lounges. She brought the same dependable spirit to her work that she brought to her family—showing up, following through, and doing what needed to be done.
Above all, Shirley was a good mother, and she loved to spoil the grandchildren. Her love was practical and steady, expressed in the ways she cared, provided, and stayed present. Even in later years, she remained remarkably capable—cleaning her own house and driving her own car up until her passing—living with a determination that never asked for attention, only respect.
Shirley was preceded in death by her father, Gilbert Franklin Harvill; her mother, Hazel (Kellough) Harvill; her husband, Eugene Joseph Kalinowski; and her son, James Rodney Buck. She is survived by her daughter, Donna Kalinowski Blackwell (Ronnie Brown); her grandchildren Abbie Demonbreun (Brandon), Allie Blackwell, Alex Blackwell, Jason Buck (Terrie), Chris Buck, and Jesi Graves (Dustin). Mrs. Kalinowski also leaves behind four great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends at Hermitage Funeral Home on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 9:30 am - 11:00 am. A Celebration of Life will follow in the Tulip Grove Room at the funeral home at 11:00 am. Following the service, Shirley will be laid to rest in the Garden of Memories Mausoleum II at Hermitage Memorial Gardens.
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