Thomas Lamar Shirey Sr.

Thomas Lamar Shirey Sr., age 94, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026. Born on July 5, 1931, in Columbus, Georgia, he was the youngest of eight children born to Charles Jordan Shirey and Mary Ella Shirey.

Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend whose steady presence, gentle nature, and wonderful sense of humor touched the lives of all who knew him. He was known especially for his storytelling, often entertaining family and friends after Sunday church services with colorful tales of his childhood growing up during the Great Depression. Gathered around the kitchen table, his children fondly remember dunking spice cookies into his coffee while listening to his embellished stories of hard luck and adventure.

A lifelong learner and creative spirit, Tom found joy in many pursuits. He loved astronomy and spent countless evenings sharing the wonders of the night sky with his children through his telescope, eventually building his own observatory later in life. He enjoyed photography, oil painting, poetry, science fiction books and films, boating, skiing, and writing. He authored numerous manuscripts for his own enjoyment, including science fiction stories and recollections of growing up in his large family.

Tom also cherished music and family time. He loved singing songs from the 1960s and 1970s with his daughter as she played the piano. He encouraged creativity in his children, even recording their childhood improvisations and imaginative conversations. He was deeply involved in his children's lives, faithfully attending musical performances, track meets, and countless family activities.

Among his family's favorite memories are days spent boating and water skiing, including adventurous weekday ski trips that occasionally resulted in returning to school with sun-kissed faces and stories to tell. Whether pulling his children on a tube behind his boat or sharing poems by Edgar Allan Poe, Tom found joy in life's simple pleasures and in creating lasting memories with those he loved.

To his family, Tom was the rock and the calm. His steady guidance, unwavering support, and quiet strength provided a foundation that carried them through life's challenges. Above all else, he loved his wife, Winifred. Their enduring devotion was evident throughout their lives together, and his family takes comfort in believing that upon leaving this world, his heart quickly found its way back to hers.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Winifred Shirey; his parents, Charles Jordan Shirey and Mary Ella Shirey; his four brothers; and his three sisters.

He is survived by his daughter, Denice (Gary) Mandigo of Woodstock, Georgia; his son, Thomas L. (Kathryn) Shirey Jr. of Shelbyville, Kentucky; his grandsons, Michael Paul (Dalia) Smith, William Albert Shirey, and Thomas L. Shirey III; as well as many cherished great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Thomas Lamar Shirey Sr. leaves behind a legacy of love, curiosity, creativity, laughter, and devotion to family. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on July 11, 2026, at Peachtree Road Lutheran Church, 3686 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA.