Anderson Statesman Richard Shirley has Passed Away

Updated with quotes, more information.

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson County Clerk of Court Richard Shirley, who previously served as mayor of the city of Anderson, died suddenly Wednesday night from an apparent heart attack.

Shirley devoted his entire career to Anderson County, beginning in 1978 at age 23, when he became the youngest person ever elected to Anderson City Council, where he remained for 20 years.

“He’s one of the finest public servants I have ever known, and had an unmatched knowledge of Anderson and everybody in it,” said Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns, a friend and longtime colleague of Shirley's. “Richard was a statesman, and he revolutionized the Clerk of Court Office.”

“He was also a joy to work with and be around and one of the funniest people you will ever meet. He will be sorely missed,” said Burns. 

 Anderson County will lower all county flags to half-staff in Shirley’s honor (county’s do not have the authority to lower state and national flags).

Shirley was elected mayor in 1998, and served two terms (replacing Mayor Darwin Wright, who retired from the position), ending in 2006, when he lost the election to current Anderson Mayor Terence Roberts.

In an interview from 2019, Shirley said that defeat was bitter, but turned out to be a blessing in disguise. 

“The night I was defeated I was not a happy camper,” said Shirley. “But the banking world was changing dramatically and I was offered a chance to get out of banking, which included a financial package, and had I been elected mayor again, I would not have been in a position to run for Anderson Clerk of Court. But as it was, I was available to take this job, which I absolutely love.” 

Shirley was appointed to fill the clerk position in 2010 to finish the unexpired term of the late Cathy Phillips, and won re-election in 2012, 2016 and 2020. 

A life-long resident of Anderson Shirley grew up working in the family business, Shirley’s Auto Glass and Trim Shop on Market Street, where he went after school at McCant’s Junior High School and continued this work every day while attending T.L. Hanna High School.

Shirley said the early work experience was valuable and taught him a lot about human nature. He said he continued work in the family business until getting a job as a banker at Southern National Bank, news he said “thrilled” his mother. 

"From his time as the remarkably skinny classmate “Ricky” Shirley at North Fant Elementary until the last time I saw “The Mayor” Richard Shirley at one of our recent gatherings of the “Old Geezers” of T.L. Hanna, Class of 1972, he was a good friend who always left me smiling and my spirits lifted when our paths would cross," said lifelong friend Randy Bannister. "Richard was a force of nature who truly led a life well lived. We’ll never be the same without him but he certainly left a remarkable legacy of service that will ensure we never forget him."

Over the years, he was involved in many community projects, and was instrumental in the birth and rebirth of the Anderson Soiree, and was excited at the reboot of the downtown festival this year.

His community service was broad and rich, including taking the lead in saving the G. Ross Anderson Federal Building in Anderson. 

Those who know Shirley, will remember his dedication to Anderson, his quick smile and his ability to inject humor into almost any situation. 

Shirley’s tribute to his close friend, longtime Anderson Attorney and Former City Councilman Tommy Dunaway, who passed away in 2020, seems to also be a fitting quote for his own contributions to this community:

 “The fruits of his labor in Anderson will be seen and felt here for generations, even when people don't realize he was behind some of the things they are enjoying,” said Shirley. “He always wanted Anderson to be a city that other communities looked to for leadership."

Richard Shirley leaves behind wife Rachel Propp Shirley, one daughter a sister and his mother.

In a Facebook post dated Sept. 11, Richard wrote:

"My Dear Friends, 

Since I have been a member of Facebook, I have always tried to personally respond to every "Happy Birthday" posted on my timeline. I figure if you take the time to acknowledge "my day", I should try to say thanks! This weekend just did not allow for that. 

My sweet Mother is in AnMed Rehab Hospital recovering from Covid, my beautiful sister and I are visiting her and making sure Daddy has plenty to eat in her absence.

Friday night, we had a social outing AND the kickoff of the 50th reunion of my high school Class of 1972. Saturday night was a blast seeing such amazing friends who have enriched my life beyond measure. Sooo...with that said, please know that I am thankful for everyone who took time to salute my 68th trip around the sun! #68 sure got here in a hurry!

With my mom's struggles, my birthday and the emotions of last night's reunion, I want to share one more thought straight from my heart. At the reunion, the Cantrells prepared an "In Memorium" display with the pictures of 57....yes, 57 classmates from T.L. Hanna who have already claimed their seat at Jesus' table in Heaven. Standing there looking at these smiling fresh faces posted on the board who meant AND mean so much to my life was difficult to accept. I cried on the way home last night and I am crying now typing this. If there is a special soul who needs to hear from you more than just a Facebook post, I would urge you to reach out. There were some incredible, incredible people saluted last night who left their mark all over our hearts.  

Please make sure you leave yours on the special people of your life, too! I promise you....somebody could use your kindness RIGHT NOW! I love you all!"

Another Anderson legend has left us. He will be missed. Services are to be announced Friday by McDougald Funeral Home.