Robert "Sammy" Shirah

Townsend – Robert Douglas “Sammy” Shirah, 64, passed away Thursday, October 24, 2024, at his home in Townsend.  Sammy was a native of McIntosh County, working in construction most of his life as a tug boat captain and heavy equipment operator.  He loved to go fishing, watching GA football, jammin’ out to Vic Waters, and hanging out with his neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin Leonard “Lucky” Shirah, Sr. and Betty Sue Shirah; sister, Susie Shirah, brothers and sister-in-law, Wayne Shirah (Sue), and Alvin Leonard “Beau” Shirah, Jr.

Survivors are his wife of 12 years, Shirl Shirah of Townsend; sons and daughters-in-law, Robert Dustin “Dusty” Shirah (Sheyann) of Brunswick and Ronald Douglas “Doug” Shirah (Jami) of Townsend; sisters and brothers-in-law, Vickie Poulsen (Dennis) of Inverness, FL, Melanie Dawn Shirah, Debra Shirah Smith both of Darien, and Victoria (Josh) of Townsend; brother and sister-in-law, Joseph “Joe” Leavell (Kathryn) of Cordele, GA; sister-in-law, Nancy Shirah of Darien; grandson, Jackson Marshall Shirah; faithful K-9 companion, Coco; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Active pallbearers will be Mike Holland, Kross Holland, Mack Hursey, Brandon Linton, David Elmadolar, Ricky Proudfoot, Carl Hickson, and David Gardner.

Honorary pallbearers will be Wes McQuaig, Sky Graham, Scott Haynes, Billy Thomas, Randy Spikes, David “DW” Pearson, and Sam Beecher.

Funeral services will be Monday, October 28 at 12:00 PM at Howard Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Rick Turner officiating.  Viewing will be one hour prior to services.  Burial will follow in St. Andrews Cemetery in Darien.   

Sammy will be remembered for his favorite saying, “How ya momma and dem”, the love he had for his family, being Gus (Great-Uncle Sammy) to his great nieces and nephews, and most importantly Pop-Pop to his grandson, Jackson Marshall and bonus granddaughter, Oaklyn Rayne.     

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