Wallace "Randy" Randolph Shirley

Wallace Randolph “Randy” Shirley, 71, of Chapin, SC, passed away at his home on February 18, 2024. He was born August 16, 1952, in Spartanburg, SC, to James Wallace Shirley, Sr. and Mary Fannie (Smith) Shirley. Son of a Naval man, his youth was spent moving to various military assignments. Randy served his country in the United States Air Force from January 1971 to August 1975. On March 23, 1978, he was united in marriage to his wife of 45 years, Kay Francis Kelley.

He was an outgoing, larger than life figure who enjoyed the company of his family and friends and cheering on his beloved USC Gamecocks. As a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, he was a member of his local Chapin Chapter of the American Legion (Post 0193). His working years were spent as a HVAC mechanic with University of South Carolina, Pioneer Foods, EF Martin, and the Budget and Control Board of SC. He cherished time spent with his family, especially on family beach trips and at family reunions. His hobbies included gardening, listening to music, attending air shows, and going fishing. Randy was a member of Chapin Baptist Church. If you ever sat down for a meal with Randy, chances are he would order his favorite meal…fish.

Randy is survived by his loving wife, Kay Kelley Shirley; his son, James “Patrick” (Amy) Shirley II of Ripon, WI; his daughter, Kelley Kay (Adam) Sarver of Irmo, SC; and his seven grandchildren: Grant, Eli, Duncan, and Merida Shirley; Alexandria, Noah, and Sloan Sarver. He is further survived by his brother, James “Jim” (Janet) Shirley, Jr.; niece, Heather (Justin Boone) Shirley and family; Aunt Myrtle Holt, Aunt Margaret Knight, as well as numerous beloved cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents: James Wallace Shirley, Sr., Mary Fannie (Smith) Forgette, and stepfather, Wilfred “Bill” Joseph Forgette.

Family will receive visitors on Monday, February 26 at 2:00 PM in the worship center at Chapin Baptist Church, 950 Old Lexington Hwy, Chapin, SC 29036, with a memorial service to follow at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Chapin Baptist Church at PO Box 640, Chapin, SC 29036, https://www.chapinbaptist.com/give or the American Legion at 102 Lexington Ave, Chapin, SC 29036, https://americanlegionpost193.com/

Caughman-Harman Funeral Home in Chapin, SC, is assisting the family with the arrangements. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanchapin.com