William Hampton Shirey Sr.

William Hampton Shirey, Sr. of Charlottesville, VA, departed this life on Monday, June 15, at the age of 97. A native of Richmond, VA, he grew up in the Ginter Park area of the city.

He attended TJ High school where he learned precision military training and discipline as part of the high school’s large Cadet Corps (6 companies). He achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant in company F.

Bill was a 1950 graduate of Hampton Sydney College with a BS degree. He was a member of the PKA fraternity, business manager of the weekly Tiger newspaper, on staff of the Garnet campus periodical, and organizer of the college Bar Bell Club. In his senior year, Bill met his future loving wife, Doris, who attended Longwood College.

Upon graduation, Bill was drafted to serve in the Korean War. He joined the USAF for 4 years. He was trained, under highly classified conditions, in the operation and maintenance of a new USAF secret weapon.

The weapon, developed by Sperry Marine Systems, was a highly mobile, nuclear guided missile system that was being developed as a deterrent against countries seeking to enter the war. This new weapon system supporting crew was to be designated the 1st Pilotless Bomber Squadron. For the best effect, Bill’s squadron and weapon system was secretly shipped overseas in the night. The outfit would quietly be deployed deep in the woods 15 minutes by

air from the “enemy country” and remain guarded for secrecy. Later, the public unveiling of the weapon system was held with great worldwide fanfare: bleachers, dignitaries, band and vast news coverage.

After his military service, Bill obtained employment with the Glen L Martin Aircraft Co. in Baltimore, MD. For the next 10 years, as a Technical Engineer, he updated aircraft maintenance manuals and maintained communications with worldwide field reps.

When the company lost a major production contract (funding problem), Bill decided to seek more secure employment elsewhere.

He was quickly hired as a Technical Engineer with the Sperry Marine Systems in Charlottesville, VA. For over 25 years there, he worked with and developed many of the company’s military manuals used on submarines, aircrafts and naval ships. His work in the generation of these manuals was tedious, usually certified, some classified and done to critical schedules. The

work became a dedicated challenge for him and after several years Bill achieved Sr. Engineering status. He retired in 1990.

The most important part of Bill’s life was his love and devotion to his wife, Doris Jones (originally of Campell Co). February 24, 2026 was their 75th wedding anniversary! They were strong supporters of the Big Band performances and often traveled with friends to beach and Virginia areas to hear the music.

Bill was a devout Christian and served as a deacon and elder at Meadows Presbyterian Church where he attended since the mid 1960’s.

William Shirey is survived by his wife, Doris Jones Shirey, William Shirey, Jr. (preceded in death, Martha Shirey), daughter Patricia O’Brien (preceded in death Dr. Michael O’Brien),

granddaughter Amy Leigh Covert (partner Kevin Reichard) and great granddaughter Emily Covert, granddaughter Ann Shirey Singh (husband,Gurpreet Singh),grandson Charlie Shirey (wife, Tabitha Shirey), Walter Shirey (wife, Dr. Krista Nevin) great granddaughter Fallon O’Brien Singh, and great grandson Rafe Walia Singh.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s hospital (online through the memorial fund) or any Veterans supportive groups.