Shirley W. French

SHIRLEY W. FRENCH., age 88, of Chestnut Hill, TN passed away at his home on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Betty Brooks French; his children Mike (Ruby) French, Deb (Darrell) Newman, Pat (Dan) Ford, Barry (Lori) French, Shirley (Larry) Vaughn, and Tim (Lisa) French; twelve grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters. He is welcomed home by his Heavenly father; his parents, Winfred J. and LaGloria Kelly French; his siblings Earl (Irene) French, Alberta (“Spider”) Jones, Violet (Paul) Barbee, and Hope French; and his loyal dogs Joe and Bear. He was an active member of Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church and the Chestnut Hill Ruritan Club. Shirley was a vibrant individual with a wealth of life experiences that he enjoyed sharing with anyone who would listen. He graduated from Maury Academy in 1943 and regularly attended class reunions even up to this past summer (at which he was the lone male class member present). He served in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class during World War II. He was stationed at Moffett Field in California and served as a turret gunner on a PV-2 Harpoon airplane, flying as a submarine-hunting escort between Pearl Harbor and California. He enjoyed telling of his experiences in the war, particularly including the time he and his pilot narrowly escaped discipline after flying their plane under a bridge. Shirley and his father raised and humanely trained Tennessee Walking Horses and were regular attendees at the Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration (so regular, in fact, that he made an idle threat not to attend a daughter’s wedding when she scheduled the wedding for “Celebration Weekend”). Shirley led the first yearling into the arena for the first halter class ever held at the Celebration’s current location. Shirley was especially proud of his service with Bush Brothers, for which he worked as a gentleman truck driver from 1951 to 1985 and then became a field agent, traveling frequently to Florida and Michigan and establishing friendships with farmers in both places. He thought very highly of and had the respect and trust of his boss, the elder Jim Ethier. Men who started their work at Bush Brothers under Shirley’s tutelage still work for the company and tell colorful tales about his wit and humor. Shirley retired from Bush Brothers on December 31, 1992. In his leisure time, Shirley raised bird dogs and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed spending time on the lake with his family. He taught himself to play the guitar and would play and sing frequently. Many of his grandchildren will always think of him when they hear songs like “Little Brown Jug,” “Candy Kisses,” or any number of Hank Williams, Sr. songs. Out of all of his roles, Shirley is best remembered as a man who loved and who was immensely loved by his family. The love he and his wife shared is unparalleled, and he was well aware that she spoiled him rotten. In turn, he spoiled his grandchildren, who adored him. His two great-granddaughters were born within the past year, and even when he did not feel well, his face lit up brighter than the sun when there was a baby in the room. He was never happier than when he was surrounded by his children and grandchildren at a family gathering. Shirley once said that he wished to be remembered as a man devoted to his family, community, and country. He embodied everything that made “the greatest generation” so great, and he will surely be missed and remembered fondly by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church would be appreciated. The family would like to thank the personal caregivers and the Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice nurses who provided compassionate care for Shirley and assistance to his wife over the past several months. Funeral services, Friday, December 20, 2013, 2:00pm at the Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church with Rev. John Clark and Rev. John Wilson officiating. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends Thursday evening, 5:00 to 7:00pm at FARRAR FUNERAL HOME, DANDRIDGE.