Alfred Shires

Alfred Shires, age 77, of Forest City, passed away Monday, January 17, 2022 at Rutherford Regional Medical Center.

Alfred was born Saturday, September 9, 1944 in Rutherford County to the late Warren Walter Shires and Virginia Aldridge Shires. He was a graduate of Cool Springs High School and earned a Master’s degree from Gardner-Webb University. He also played collegiate football for the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs. Alfred was an educator for the Rutherford County Public Schools for many years, having taught driver’s education at the Rutherford County Vocational Workshop and taught at Chase High School for thirty years before his retirement. He coached football and girls’ softball during his tenure. Alfred was a master carpenter and an avid golfer. He was a good man with a generous heart toward others. Alfred was a past member of Sandy Mush Baptist Church and attended Caroleen Baptist Church. He was known as a loving husband, father and “Paw Paw.”

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Gene Alvin Shires.

Left to cherish fond memories are his wife of almost fifty years, Christy Gillespie Shires; daughter, Summer Pierce of Spindale; brother, Jerry Wayne Shires (Joyce) of Rutherfordton; grandchildren, Hayden Bailey Pierce and Chase Alexander Pierce; a close family friend, Dennis Pierce of Valdese; in-laws, Bailey and Joy Gillespie of Spindale; sister-in-law, Helen Melton Shires of Mooresboro; nieces, Rhonda, Susie, Lynn, Kim and a nephew, Tony. He is also survived by his beloved pet dog, “Buddy.”

The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Friday, January 28, 2022 at the Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Reverend Andy Evans officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Spindale City Cemetery.

Memorial donations are requested to Harrelson Funeral Home to help defray funeral expenses.