November 16, 1969 – October 25, 2026
Russell T. Shirley, 56, of Climax, passed away Sunday, October 25, 2026.
The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Morningside Baptist Church with Rev. Lynn Hurley officiating. Interment will follow at Oak City Cemetery with Mark Phillips, Deryl Ouzts, Haisten Wilkinson, Larry Wilkinson, Lofton Willis, J.B. Swicord, Brett Wilkinson, and Peanut Enfinger serving as honorary pallbearers.
The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Climax Methodist Church, PO Box 96, Climax, GA 39834.
Russell T. Shirley had a way of knowing everybody in town and keeping up with what was going on in their lives. He never seemed to miss a thing and had a memory that could bring up details others had long forgotten. Russell loved keeping up with the news, and Facebook gave him one more way to stay connected with friends and keep track of people near and far. He was a member of Climax Baptist Church but attended Climax Methodist Church.
Russell had a lifelong connection to the Bainbridge High School Bearcats and the Georgia Bulldogs. He served as a member and equipment manager for the BHS Band for many years and was active in 4-H during high school. Russell enjoyed spending time out at the farm, especially touring the property and camping there. Working cows with J.B. was one job that kept him full of fodder for the tales he loved to share.
Russell had his favorites, including Diet Dr Pepper and Chick-fil-A, and he was never shy about his strong political views as a staunch Republican. He enjoyed keeping up with people, following local happenings, and knowing the latest news around town. Russell’s knack for remembering the smallest details and staying connected with so many people made him a familiar face and a well-informed friend to many.
Survivors include his father, Claude Shirley; his nieces, Madelyn Shirley Griffin (Zack) and Emma Ryan Shirley; his great-niece, Mary Ella; a host of extended family and tons of friends and acquaintances from all over. Russell was preceded in death by his mother, Sally Lynn Shirley, and his brother, Ryan Shirley.
Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)
