Ronald graduated Valedictorian of Ragley High School Class of 64-65 in Ragley, LA. He would go on to earn his PhD from the University of New Mexico. Ronald would work in a few different areas before making his way to Huntsville and joining Boeing. While working at Boeing before retirement, he also taught as an adjunct for 35 years at Calhoun Community College. He was a founding member of the Southeast Huntsville chapter of Optimist International, a member of the Friends of the Library Bookstore, a member of the Burritt Brigade at Burritt on the Mountain, and coached the Weatherly Elementary Math team which earned a city championship. Ronald enjoyed volunteering for multiple organizations as well as mentoring the youth of the city of Huntsville. He was always willing to support initiatives to better youth.
He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports and the activities they participated in. He loved travelling overseas and going on cruises collecting mementos to add to his "man cave", or you could find him watching TV, especially Adam-12, Wicked Tuna, and Goldrush.
Ronald is survived by his son Jeffrey Shirley (Angie); his special friend Sue Shirley, his granddaughter Karen Shirley, his grandson AJ Shirley and his granddaughter Janie Shirley.
Ronald was preceded in death by his wife Karen Shirley; his mother Helen Marie Datenhoff.
A visitation for Ronald will be held Tuesday, September 7, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Valhalla Funeral Home, 698 Winchester Rd Ne, Huntsville, Alabama 35811. A celebration of life service will occur Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Valhalla Funeral Home. The family request you to wear your favorite sports team shirt.
In lieu of flowers please make donations in Ronald's name to Friends of the Library Bookstore or Optimist International.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valhallafunerals.com for the Shirley family.
