Paul K. Shirley Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Paul K. Shirley, born on May 27, 1922, in Granville, Tennessee, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on June 11, 2022. He attended Lipscomb College, which inspired his lifelong passion for Christian education. During World War II, he served as a naval photographer on the USS Shangri-La. While in the Navy, he met Nadine Lance, who was working for his father. They fell in love and married after the war. They used the opportunity of taking portrait photography to travel around the United States for a few years. The couple then returned to Tennessee so Paul could finish his degree at the University of Tennessee. Afterward, he established his business, Shirley Homes, and began to build houses. He developed the Timbercrest neighborhood and later expanded his business and built many other things, including the Westop neighborhood, a motel, and office warehouses. He spent many years as a member of the Knoxville Planning Commission and was an active member of the Knoxville Home Builders Association. Paul faithfully served as an elder at West End Church of Christ since 1967, and he helped procure the property where the building now stands. At the church, he was a founder of the West End Kindergarten. The preschool and kindergarten program was very important to him, and he continued to support it in many ways through the years. A frequent and welcome visitor to the school, Mr. Paul was well known for giving high fives. He and Nadine wanted to continue to encourage and support Christian education, so they found, purchased, and donated land for the development of Knoxville Christian School. Paul’s encouragement and support for the school continued through the remainder of his life. After Nadine was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Paul lovingly cared for her in their home until her death in 2002. They were happily married over 57 years. Afterward, he continued his work with the church, along with managing his properties and supporting the two schools. He met his second wife, Belle (Melva Belle Magill Shirley), at church, and they fell in love and married when he was 86. During their almost fourteen years of happy marriage, they continued to support Christian education, managed his properties, and were active in the church. They enjoyed various trips and adventures, but also treasured peaceful times at home—especially working together on morning Sudoku puzzles. The driving force of his life was the love of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whom he served until his death. He is survived by his wife, Belle; his children, Paula Melton (John), Bill Shirley (Wanda), and Sandy Seymour (Jim); his stepchildren, Wandabelle Weaver (CW), Don, and Fran Sloan (Mark); thirteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren (with another on the way); and a nephew and a niece by his late brothers, John and Berry Shirley. He touched many lives in his century of life and will be greatly missed. The Funeral Service to celebrate Paul’s life will begin at 6:00pm on Friday, June 17th at West End Church of Christ, with Minister Jeremy Weekly officiating. The family will Receive Friends prior beginning at 4:00pm. We will meet on Saturday, June 18th at Highland Memorial Cemetery for a 3:00pm Graveside Service. In lieu of flowers, donations to Knoxville Christian School in Mr. Paul’s memory would be greatly appreciated.

Tributes

Paul K. Shirley

May 27, 1922 - June 11, 2022