Walt departed this world for Heaven on August 4, 2017, just after celebrating his 54th birthday and seeing his youngest daughter graduate from high school. He was born in Fort Myers, FL on May 25, 1963 and was proud to tell others that he was a “Florida Cracker.” Walt attended grade school in Fort Myers and completed high school in Sebring. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1988 in Business, Marketing and Sales from Palm Beach Atlantic University. That same year, he married his sweetheart Lisa Brown.
   In 1989 the couple moved from West Palm Beach to Fort Myers, where Walt began working in landscaping and sales. It wasn’t long before he became a successful entrepreneur, developing and owning multiple companies including Golden Golf Services, currently owned by his wife Lisa. The companies are his legacy, reflecting his passion for landscaping and the golf course industry.
   Walt was a scratch golfer, and he loved fast cars and fishing at his lake house. But most importantly, he was a man of strong faith. A man that put God first and his work last. He believed in the power and strength of Jesus Christ’s love, and the beauty and peace that would await him after passing.
   He was a devoted husband and father, as well as a good son, uncle, cousin and a great friend to all. He enjoyed meeting new people and sharing his story, always offering encouragement to others. He recognized that there was always someone worse off than himself, and he was known for giving away a glass angel or cross for people to carry, as a reminder for them to pray.
   Walt overcame more than his share of illnesses over 54 years including two heart attacks, bypass surgery, two heart stents, two kidney transplants, multiple trauma accidents, multiple skin cancer surgeries, removal of his left eye, blindness and even paralysis. Some of Walt’s friends called him the “cat with more than nine lives” or their “superhero.” He was also blessed with a lot of friends that were faithful in praying for him. Those prayers, and Walt’s faith in God, gave him incredible strength.
   Walt is survived by his two beautiful daughters, Lexi Shea and Sofi Mae and also his wife of almost 30 years, Lisa Brown, daughter of Gary Brown and Margie Brown Shirey.
   He is also survived by his sisters Stephanie Hunt, Sherra Griffis, Shannon Coven, and his mother Shirlene Hart Anthony. His father, Walter English Shirey Sr. passed in 1988. We know father and son are together today in heaven.
   Walt’s hope was in the Lord, and now he is home. God has promised us that he has prepared a place for us in heaven, and the words that Walt would most likely hear from our Father upon entering heaven would be, “Well done my good and faithful servant. It is time to rest, for you are home.”
   Funeral arrangements are being organized by Harvey-Engelhardt. There will be a Visitation on Friday, August 11 from 4-7 PM at Harvey-Engelhardt Funeral Home at 1600 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers.    
   Walt’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 12 at 1 PM at McGregor Baptist Church at 3750 Colonial Boulevard with a reception following the service in Fellowship Hall.
   On Sunday, August 13 at 1 PM there will be a Graveside Service at Silver Hill Cemetery in Frostproof, FL.
Memorial donations in Walt’s name can be made to St. Jude Hospital at STJUDE.org or KKIDSINC.org (Keeping Kids in Distress Safe) a local non-profit organization in Fort Myers, friends of the Shirey family. Walt would also encourage everyone to make blood and organ donations. Please visit www.harvey-engelhardt.com to share a memory or condolence.

 Service Information