Willard Allen Shirley, age 79 of Royal, passed from this life on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at his home. He was born on July 29, 1933 in Hot Springs, the son of the late Nick and Pearl Middleton Shirley. Willard was a handyman and attended the Pentecostal Church. He was a veteran of the United States Army. Willard was preceded in death by his son, Chris Shirley and his daughter, Susie Patterson. He is survived by his wife, Lucille Virginia Hampton Shirley of Royal, three daughters, Mary Allen (Sammy) of Hot Springs and Brenda Lockhart (George) and Brenda Hamilton (Bradley), of Royal, one son Allen Shirley (Terry) of Hot Springs, two sisters, Jo Ann Cummings of Texas and Carolyn Ashley of Hot Springs, one brother, Cecil Buffington of Hot Springs and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Graveside services will be at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at Cunningham Cemetery in Royal with Rev. Teddy Fry officiating. Pallbearers will be J. D. Oliver, Scott Lockhart, Bradley Hamilton, Christopher Shirley, Johnathan Worst and Taylor Worst. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the online guest book.