Royace D. Shirley

Royace D. Shirley, of Clayton, Ohio, passed away on October 11, 2026, at the age of 79. He was born on December 11, 1946, in Sparta, Tennessee, and lived a life marked by devotion to family, service to country, hard work, and an easy warmth that drew people to him wherever he went.

A graduate of Wilbur Wright High School, Class of 1965, Royace went on to proudly serve in the United States Air Force. He was a Vietnam Veteran, and that service remained a meaningful part of the story of his life. After his time in the military, he built a long and steady career, working for 43 years at General Motors until his retirement. It was the kind of commitment that reflected who he was: dependable, dedicated, and proud of the work he did.

Beyond his work and service, Royace found joy in the simple and lasting pleasures of life. He coached his sons in baseball at NABL in Englewood, giving his time and encouragement in ways that surely left a lasting impression. He loved music and was a loyal fan of the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals as well as the Ohio State Buckeyes. Most of all, he was known for the way he met the world—with a ready conversation, an open manner, and a genuine interest in others. He never met a stranger and loved to talk to people. Very friendly, outgoing, and quick witted, he brought an unmistakable energy to the lives of those around him.

At the heart of Royace’s life was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Deb Shirley, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage. He also leaves behind his sons, Brian P. (Shanna) Shirley and Jason M. Shirley; granddaughter, Kylyn Lewis, and great-grandson, Hayden Lewis, whose lives carry forward his memory. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Karen (John) O'Meara, Marsha Roof, and Kimberly (Joe) Baird, and Chris Shirley; his beloved fur babies, Sassy and Cooper; many special nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly; and numerous extended family members and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Curtis Shirley; his mother, Bertha (Rice) Winnett; his brothers, Curtis Shirley and Wayne Shirley; sister-in-law, Judy Shirley; brother-in-law,, Richard Roof; and his In-Laws, John (Irene) Miller and George (Juanita) Clark, who were also very special to him. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home, North Dayton, 4104 Needmore Rd, Dayton, Ohio 45424. Funeral services will follow at 6:00 PM  where Air Force Military Honors will be rendered.

A special thank you to the Dayton VA, the staff of oncology, radiology, and urology, his PC, Dr. K. Paulding, and DayCity Hospice for the care and compassion they all extended to Royace and his family. 

His memory will remain a comfort to those who loved him and a lasting presence in the stories they continue to share.