Walter Clifton Shirley, Jr.
Born October 25th, 1949, Walter Clifton Shirley, Jr., peacefully passed on to glory on June 29th, 2025, surrounded by family in Vaughan, MS.
A native of Jackson, MS, Clif graduated from Murrah High School in 1967 and went on to study business at Mississippi State University, finishing there in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Then he joined his father, Walter Clifton Shirley, in the insurance business, a career that he practiced for more than 50 years. He loved to serve his clients and only stopped working a few months before his death.
He met his beloved wife, Pamela Shirley (née Poole), in Jackson in 1974, and they were married at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral in Jackson in 1975. They built a family of three children: Annie Laura, Margaret Cecilia, and Walter Clifton, III. Pamela and Cliff celebrated 50 years of marriage shortly before his death.
Clif, also known affectionately as “Brother” and “Ada,” exhibited a precocious gift of humor, which continually astounded his audience. Saying he loved to laugh is an understatement. He was also known for his patience, generosity, and kindness. A favorite of children everywhere, he had a gift for talking with people of all walks of life, making friends in the grocery store, restaurant, or cornfield. He had an unassuming, humble personality that quietly made a deep impact. Clif loved helping people. These rare personality traits enabled him to be an insightful and joyful presence in the company of his family and friends.
Clif is survived by his wife, Pamela, his children–Annie (spouse, William Davis, lll), Margaret (spouse, Jared Mathews), and Walter Clifton, III (spouse, Cara Shirley)--and his grandchildren–Cy Davis, Brody Davis, Eleanore Davis, Adelaide Davis, Audrey Beall Shirley, Ridge Mathews, AnaClaire Mathews, Gabriel Mathews, and Jesse Mathews. Clif is also survived by his brother and sisters and their spouses: Cleta Shirley Ellington (Edward) of Jackson, Bess Stanton (Vickie) of Asheville, NC, Steve Shirley (Helen) of Madison, and Fred Hines of Charlotte, NC. Additionally his surviving in-laws include Richard Poole (spouse, Gail) of Madison. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Clifton Shirley, Cleta Gordon Shirley, and Lillie Bess Stevenson Shirley Hines, his sister, Connie Shirley Hines, and his brother-in-law, Paul Poole.
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending donations to the Jackson Stewpot at https://stewpot-community-services.networkforgood.com/projects/90618-stewpot-community-services-everyday-giving-page.