Obituary of William E. Shirley

Bedford William E. Shirley, 85, died at 2:05 pm on Monday, June 11, 2012 at his residence. Born March 31, 1927, he was the son of William Edmund Shirley, Sr. and Josephine E. Shirley. He graduated from Bedford High School in 1944. He attended Purdue University on a G.I. bill. He enlisted in the Navy in 1945. He was sent to Portsmouth, NH for training and then was deployed to Panama where he was a medic trained to go to Japan. The bomb on Hiro Shima saved his life. He went back to Purdue after the war and graduated in 1949 with a Batchelor of Science in Pharmacy. He passed his state boards and became a Register Pharmacist. Mr. Shirley started his Pharmacy career in Danville, IL in 1951. He moved back to Bedford and opened Edgewood Pharmacy. He still helped Mr. Smallwood and Mr. Howard while opening up his own pharmacy. In the late 50s and early 60s he opened the Edgewood Clinic and Pharmacy (then and now Bedford Medical Center). Bill sold his business after 25 years. Appointed by Ed Whitcomb, he was a member and President of the State Board of Pharmacy from 1968-82. He was president for four years. He was also awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Orr. He finished working behind the counter for Hooks on Lincoln Avenue and Super X. He worked for Butler until 2000. Ex students waiting to get (license & graduate). After 52 years he called it quits. He was a Charter member of Southland Church of Christ from 1958-2012. He was a Deacon for 15 years and an Elder from 1983-2005. He was a member of the American Legion for 60 years. Survivors include; one son, William Tyree Shirley of Bedford, two granddaughters, Felicia Lynnae Shirley and Sarah Elizabeth Shirley of Bedford. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Dorothy of 43 years. Funeral Information Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 on Thursday, June 14, 2012 at the Southland Church of Christ with Bro. Pat Arthur officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hill Cemetery with Military Rites accorded at the graveside. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm 8:00 pm on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at the Day & Carter Mortuary.