NATCHEZ — Services for Lavon Dixon Shirley, 76, of Natchez, who died Saturday, July 7, 2007, in Ferriday, will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Laird Funeral Home Union Street Chapel with the Rev. Steve Bullion officiating.

Burial will follow at Natchez National Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Mr. Shirley was born April 11, 1931, in Miami, Fla., the son of Earley Vester Shirley and Ethel Mae Dixon Shirley. He was retired from International Paper Company.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Marjorie Shirley and Vera Shirley.

Survivors include his sons, Michael L. Shirley of Kingsport, Tenn., formerly of Natchez, and Gary L. Shirley of Natchez; a granddaughter, Julie A. Shirley of Kingsport, formerly of Natchez; siblings, Evelyn Wood of Westville, Fla., Rose Urquhart of Powder Springs, Ga., Edna Grubbs of Holt, Fla., Robert Shirley of Vidalia and Sara Jacobs of Newton, Ala.; and best friend, Betty Green.

Pallbearers will be Reed Callaway, Whest Shirley, Udon Hales, Dennis Urquhart, Larry Urquhart and Bruce Pickle.

Honorary pallbearers will be Leon Smith, Denver Hall, Leo Joseph Sr., Homer Flournoy, Edgar Moore, Jim Cassell and David Hutson.

The family wishes to sincerely thank Dr. Barry Tillman and Dr. Jack Rodriquez.