Bro. Larue Junior Shirley

EDMONTON – Brother Larue Junior Shirley, 86, peacefully departed this life on May 29, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born on April 21, 1940, to the late Curt and Laura Janes Shirley. He was a member of East Fork Missionary Baptist Church.

He was saved as a young boy and was called to preach as a young man. Bro. Junior pastored many churches and helped in numerous revivals throughout his life.

He was known as a kind, humble, God-fearing man who loved his family and loved to help people find the Lord. He was never ashamed to tell about where he first met the Lord between the two little trees.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Shirley Jean Shirley; seven children, Benita (Phillip) Knight, Mark (Angela) Shirley, Eddie (Abbie) Shirley, Sherry (Rusty) Brown, Angela (Kevin) Coomer, Lori Knight, and Adam (Amanda) Shirley; fourteen grandchildren, Emily Knight, Riley Knight, Emma (Luke) Murley, John (Rachel) Shirley, Floyd (Casey) Shirley, Will Shirley, Sarah (David) Goode, Melissa (Chris) Riggs, Caleb Brown, Julie (Steve) Marr, Jacob (Taylor) Coomer, Holly Knight, Brooklyn Knight, and Lydia Shirley; seven great-grandchildren, Levi and Elijah Murley, Eden Shirley, Oliver and Isaac Goode, and Amelia and Oakley Riggs; one brother, Philip (Margaret) Shirley; two sisters, Christine Bennett and Brenda Smith; along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by seven brothers, Elroy, Bobby, Earl Dunham, James, Fred, Charles, and Paul David Shirley, and two sisters, Dee Burris and Pauline Shirley.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at East Fork Missionary Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday at Hatcher & Saddler Funeral Home, and from 9:00 am on Wednesday until time for services at the church. Burial will be in the Bragg Cemetery.

Hatcher & Saddler Funeral Home was in charge of the funeral arrangements.