David John Shirley

David John Shirley, a long-time resident of Mobile, AL, died on September 11, 2015. David was born on August 5, 1946 in Monmouth, IL to Harry Virgil Shirley and Irene Whalen Shirley. A few years later, his parents moved to Mobile, where David grew up. He attended Murphy High School, and as a senior, David saw the school integrated over Governor George Wallace’s objections. David graduated from Murphy High School with highest honors in 1964. He received his undergraduate degree from the California Institute of Technology and earned his master’s degree in systems analysis from the University of Pennsylvania. After graduating from Caltech and before enrolling in UPenn, David served in the United States Air Force, completing his active duty at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana.

After completing his master’s degree, David went to work for Scott Paper Company in Pennsylvania. In 1988, he returned to Mobile, where he continued to work for Scott Paper (later Kimberly Clark) as an information technology and computer systems advisor. In 2003, David joined the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS) as a computer analyst, where he worked until his illness.

David was a dedicated employee, who enjoyed his work, and the companionship of his co-workers, and took great satisfaction in using the latest technology to improve the services that Mobilians received from MAWSS. An unabashed “techie” (David carried two smart phones, always kept his iPad handy, and owned multiple computers), he was also quick to volunteer his talents to friends and family who were less tech savvy. But in David’s life, even technology yielded to sentimentality; he refused to upgrade to the latest iPhone6 until he had a personalized case depicting his grandchildren.

In his younger years, David was an avid runner and 5K competitor. Later, David was a fixture at the Mobile Regional Senior Center, where he enjoyed the camaraderie of friends and regular games of pool. David also was an avid reader and lover of music, particularly classical compositions and performances.

David is survived by his two brothers, Thomas James Shirley of Chula Vista, CA and Jerry Dale Shirley of Tucson, AZ. He also leaves behind his Mobile family; best friend and companion Suzanne Zietz McAtee; her adult children, Jeffrey McAtee, Jenelle Ganatra, and Sarah Bentley (who affectionately nicknamed his “Shirls”); and his five little children who call David “Grandpa”, Luke, Zoe, Rabb, Mira and Lewis.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor Sacred Heart Residence, 1655 McGill Avenue, Mobile, AL 36604. Arrangements by Ascension Funerals & Cremations, Mobile, AL.