Gregory Shirley

Gregory Evan Shirley, Sr. Was born on March 2, 1948 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Mrs. Louise Woodruff Shirley and Richard Shirley.

As a young boy, Greg attended Missionary Baptist Church with his siblings and sang as “The Shirley Kids.”

Greg attended Crispus Attucks High School and graduated in 1966. Upon graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army at age 18 and served in the Vietnam War, being honorably discharged.

After the war, Greg moved to Chicago, Illinois with his sister, Nina. It was Nina who introduced Greg to the woman who would become the love of his life and his soulmate, Arvetta Faye Thrash-Wells.

While living in Chicago, Greg attended Kennedy King College and graduated with a degree in Sociology. In 1979, Greg and Arvetta married, and out of their union, twin sons were born in 1981, Gregory, Jr. and Zachary. In addition to the twins, Greg’s union to Arvetta blessed him with three bonus children: Tamara, Kenneth, and Analise.

Greg and Arvetta moved to Dallas, Texas shortly after the birth of the twins. Professionally, Greg worked at Commercial Modals for 10 years until an accident on the job caused him to become disabled. Greg then worked for the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) System, where he affectionately became known as “Bus Driver.” Upon leaving DART, Greg worked for the Veteran’s Affairs Hospital of Dallas until his retirement. Greg never met a stranger, and he could be found always talking, and watching sports. Most importantly, Greg loved his family and a great laugh.

Greg was preceded in death by his late wife Arvetta Faye Shirley, father Richard Shirley, mother Louise Woodruff Smith, sisters Vivian Belinda Williams and Charlotte Woodruff, daughter Tenisha, son Kenneth Wells, and grandson Jaylen Wells.

Greg will be deeply missed by his entire family, including sons Gregory, Jr. and Zachary, daughters Tamara (Marc Anthony) and Analise, siblings Larry (Mildred) and Nina, grandchildren Julian, Sariyah, Daziyah, Laloni, Kash, Loyalty, Finesse, Darius, Andre, Kristoff, special friend Lisa Threets, and a host of family and friends.