Latest Headlines
- Cantonment Man Arrested On Multiple Sexual Battery, Minor Exploitation Charges
- Century’s New ‘Backyard Apartment’, Tiny Home Rules Move Forward To Legal Review
- First Look At The Design For New $10 Million Shelter In Century
- Free Cantonment, Farm Hill Neighborhood Cleanup Set For Wednesday
- Summer Lunch Program Continues This Week At the Molino and Century Libraries
- Closures Begin This Week In $24 Million Jacks Springs Project North Of Atmore
- Atmore Man Dies Following Monday Afternoon Crash
- ECFR: Clothes Dryer Sparked Friday Night Cantonment Apartment Laundry Room Fire
- Pensacola Chamber Reaffirms Support For Appointed School Superintendent
- Tate Aggies Name Volleyball Teams
Cmdr. Robert A. Shirer
July 20, 2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Cmdr. Robert A. Shirer, who died on July 19, 2026, after a long and arduous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.
Bob was born to Robert Fisher Shirer and Mary Jo Harris Shirer in Lafayette, Indiana. At thirteen, he moved from Nebraska to Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from Peachtree High School in 1978, obtained a B.S. in Education from the University of Georgia in 1982, and earned his M.E. in Instructional Technology from the University of West Florida. Bob earned his “Wings of Gold” as a Naval Aviator in 1983 in Pensacola, FL, where he met the love of his life, Leigh Robin Williams. They married in 1984 and embarked on a life of adventure that included many friends, laughter, tears, and exciting tales of travels, twists, and turns on their journey together. Bob and Leigh were blessed with three children, Rachel Kathleen Shirer Weber (Charles), Ross Evan Shirer, and Robyn Olivia Shirer Stanford (Ryan).
As a Naval Officer, Bob was a willing participant to history, serving on the USS John F. Kennedy during the First Gulf War. The day after September 11, Cmdr. Shirer was recalled to active duty, serving with the Bureau of Naval Personnel where he retired after 29 years of service to his country. In addition, he worked for numerous defense contractors and faithfully attended St. Luke UMC in Pensacola, FL, where he taught Sunday School for 21 years.
Bob and his family always enjoyed camping with numerous friends and family members and always heralded the beginning of their “camping season” with an “end of summer” party. Leigh is planning to hold an “End of Bob’s Summer” Celebration of Life in the home that they shared with their children for the past 34 years later, so we hope (like the songs says) to “See You in September”!
Cmdr. Shirer will be remembered for the life he lived, the relationships he built, and the memories he shared with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He leaves behind family and loved ones who will cherish his memory and carry forward the lessons, love, and laughter he shared throughout his life. No man ever told a “Dad Joke” like Sweet Old Bob!
Comments