Harold L Shay

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Vicki Wheeler Shay, daughters Emily Shay and April Shay of Birmingham, sister Denise Shay (Curtis) of Birmingham, stepdaughter Jaime Vang (Tommy) of Wausau, Wisconsin, and stepson Jeremiah Dawson of Dayton, Ohio, grandchildren Jacob Thomas Vang, Kaleb Vang, Cameron Noah Vang, and Ethan Kai Vang, all of Wausau, Wisconsin, Benjamin James Lewis, Atari Mason Lewis, and Daphne Laine Lewis, all of Stephens Point, Wisconsin, and Kayla Shay and Katie Shay of Birmingham.

He is also survived by Vicki’s parents James and Joanna Wheeler of Maplesville, sisters-in-law Christy Thompson (John) of Blaine, Kentucky, Shelly Garris (Brian) of Stokes, North Carolina, Kelli Roe (Lynn) of Maplesville, Angie Smith of Cullman, and Kathy Shay of Remlap, and his beloved dogs Tucker, Freddie, and Jayda.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Inez Shay, sister Patricia Shay Robertson, brother James Elwin Shay, and stepdaughter Amanda Dawson Lewis.

Harold was born on April 17, 1948, at East End Hospital in Birmingham, and lived his entire life within three blocks of his birthplace. He graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1968. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal for his service in the United States Army in Vietnam.

Harold worked hard all his life to provide for his family. He retired from Lawler Machine and Foundry after 20 years of service, but quickly tired of sitting around the house. He spent the next 15 years working for Turner Supply Company, until he retired again in 2015. In his retirement, Harold enjoyed spending more time with Vicki. He accompanied Vicki almost everywhere, including driving her to and from work, and attending dog obedience classes with her.

Those who knew him well will hold dear Harold’s quick wit, his practical jokes, his laughter, his huge heart, his generous spirit, and his love of Auburn University. Despite his outward lack of seriousness, Harold devoted his life to helping family, friends, and even strangers whenever he saw a need. Without a doubt, Heaven is a sweeter and funnier place since Harold arrived. To quote Harold’s nephew, “he is making Jesus laugh now.”

Many hearts are broken over losing a one-of-a-kind husband, father, loved one, and friend. Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at 10:00 am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am at Johns Ridout’s Funeral Parlors, 2116 University Boulevard, Birmingham, Alabama. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm at Alabama National Cemetery, 3133 Highway 119, Montevallo, Alabama.