University of Montevallo Hall of Famer Arthur "Neal" Shirley passed away on Friday, January 1
st, 2021. He sponsored the "Neal Shirley Award" at UM, which is given annually to the most outstanding male student-athlete.
Shirley was a longtime advocate for UM, starting when he was a student. While at Montevallo, he was named the school's first male SGA President, was a member of the school's first baseball team, and was a member of the "Starting Nine" which was responsible for the lighting project at UM's baseball field. Shirley received his Bachelor of Science from Montevallo in 1959. After getting his Master's from Louisiana State University in 1963, he returned to Montevallo and became a member of the math department on campus.
Shirley went on to work as a sales representative at IBM for 28 years. During his career, he became passionate about community service and was a Paul Harris Fellow with the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. Shirley received abundant recognition for his achievements, making an appearance in the 1975 edition of the Personalities of the South. In 2006, he received the Leon G. Davis Award from UM for distinguished service through personal achievements and community service.
Following his retirement from IBM, Shirley returned again to Montevallo and served in Advancement and Alumni Affairs Office and later became the Interim Dean of Business. He received the "Distinguished UM Alumnus" Award in 1972. He also served on the Board of Trustees, was President of the UM Alumni Association, and was a member of the UM Foundation Board of Directors.
Shirley's devotion to Montevallo has played a huge part in the continued success of its athletic programs.
A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the UM Foundation, Station 6215, Montevallo, AL 35115. To plant a tree in his honor, please visit
https://sympathy.legacy.com/en-us/funeral-flowers/gallery/?type=obituary&p=197423900&pn=arthur-shirley-funeral&affiliateId=24&pm=240
