Elmer Shirley

Rev. Elmer Shirley, 94, of Cabot, Ark. completed his earthly journey Aug. 30, 2014. He was a member of Scott Pentecostal Church at the time of his death. His love for God and the Word of the Lord was followed by his lifetime dedication to serve the Lord while serving as a pastor for several churches in the central Arkansas area. We will remember him for his ever-present humor and his love of a fish dinner. His ability to share numerous jokes and make others laugh was a vital part of his life. He is preceded in death by the love of his life, Lucille Shirley. He is survived by his son, Gary (Judy) Shirley of Cabot; grandsons, Sam (Jessica) Shirley and Daniel (Carolyn) Shirley; great-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Emiley, and Joshua Shirley; extended granddaughter, Beverly Shirley Grist; brother, Coy (Rosie) Shirley of Mayflower; and sister, Ruth Lawrence of Scott. Our Papa leaves behind a host of family members and church family who loved him dearly. His Pentecostal legacy will continue to grow through the works that he laid so loving in each and every message he preached, every song he sang and every individual he ministered to until the last few days of his earthly life. His love of the word was expressed through his daily Bible verse that he shared with the residents of Cabot Nursing Home. Papa was an avid minister of faith and walked the halls of the nursing home praying with the residents and with management. He was a counselor and remained faithful to God's calling on his life. While we will miss his presence here, our hearts are rejoicing that his earthly journey has ended and his true walk with the Lord has begun. His struggle with health issues, most recently pneumonia, will no longer cause his body pain. His son and daughter-in-law express a sincere and special "thank you" to each and everyone at Cabot Nursing Home that cared for and loved Shirley. To everyone that knew and visited with him while he was a resident at the nursing home, we thank you for sharing your life with him. If our Papa were here today and could speak, we feel certain he would say, "Don't weep for me. Keep your eyes on the Lord." Friends and family may attend a visitation from 5-7 p.m. Thursday night at Smith North Little Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at First Pentecostal Church in Scott, Ark. Burial will be at noon Friday at the Mayflower Cemetery. Arrangements by North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.