John Leigh Shirley

John Leigh Shirkey, 74, of Dayton, passed away on Friday, August 29, 2025 at his home.

He was born on June 25, 1951, and was a son of the late E. Leon Shirkey and Susie (Thomas) Mason.

John had worked as an electrician and was a member of the Spring Creek Church of the Nazarene. He was a veteran of the US Army from 1968 until 1971 and had served in Vietnam. John was a 1967 graduate of Harrisonburg High School where he enjoyed playing on the football team, and loved playing softball and riding motorcycles.

On Oct. 12, 2002 he was united in marriage to Vanessa (Roach) Shirkey, who survives.

John is also survived by a daughter, Morgan (Paul) Claytor; brother, Terry (Carolyn) Shirkey; sisters, Roxanne (Larry) Emswiler, and Denise (Riedel) Hisey; grandchildren, Hunter Bennett, Dawson Conner, Raelynn Conner, Calleigh Claytor, Isaiah Claytor, and Zach Claytor; step-mother, Louise Shirkey; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his step-father, H.B. Mason.

A service celebrating John's life will be held at 12 PM on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Spring Creek Church of the Nazarene, with Pastor Billy Curry officiating. The family will receive friends from 11 until 12 PM before the service. A lunch will be served and a burial will follow at Beaver Creek Cemetery at 2:30 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to Spring Creek Church of the Nazarene, 8863 Nazarene Church Rd, Bridgewater, VA 22812, and/or Virginia Commonwealth University Parkinson's & Movement Center11958 West Broad Street, Henrico, VA 23233.

Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Bridgewater. Online condolences may be shared with the family at johnsonfs.com.