“Remembering Uncle Shirley: The Heart of a Ranger and a Baker’s Legacy”
Published 9:35 am Tuesday, August 13, 2024
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By C.Y. Peters
Shirley Peters was not just my uncle; he was my best friend, my confidant, and a cornerstone of our family’s legacy. From the earliest days of my childhood, Uncle Shirley was a constant presence, a man whose love for family, sports, and community was evident in everything he did.
Born to James T.M. and Burnace Effie Taylor Peters, Shirley grew up in a home filled with warmth, with brothers Luther, C.Y., and Maynard, and sisters Brenda, Etta, and Virginia, and the smell of good cooking. His mother, Burnace, was renowned in our area for her culinary skills. She spent most of her life working as a cook at Ivy Hall Nursing Home, where her meals brought comfort to countless residents. The love for food and the joy of feeding others must have been passed down to Shirley, though his specialty would later become a sweet treat rather than a savory dish.
Shirley was a proud alumnus of Unaka High School, where he excelled in sports. He played both football and baseball for the Rangers and was selected All-Conference, a testament to his dedication and skill on the field. But Shirley’s love for Unaka didn’t end with his graduation. He remained one of the Rangers’ most faithful fans, attending almost every football and basketball game they played for years after he left school. His passion for the Rangers was unmatched, and it was clear to everyone who knew him that his heart was always on Ranger Hill.
Beyond his love for Unaka sports, Shirley was an avid supporter of the University of Tennessee, cheering on the Volunteers with the same fervor he showed for his high school alma mater. Whether it was football or basketball, Shirley’s voice could be heard, rooting for his teams with unyielding loyalty.
Shirley’s athletic expertise extended beyond his school years. He had a passion for fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball, and he played alongside some of the best athletes in the area. He traveled with the likes of Jarfly and Ken Dugger, Wes Holly, and Harold Bowers, building friendships and memories that would last a lifetime. These were not just games for Shirley; they were a way of life, a continuation of the camaraderie and competition he loved so much.
Shirley took me to many games and movies, and we spent many years together working at the Elizabethton Star, both his and my first jobs. I was only 13 then, and he was my ride home after working every Saturday night to get the Sunday papers out for delivery, many times until 4 or 5 a.m.
Shirley married Cindy Campbell, and when their daughters, Misty and Julie, started school at Happy Valley, he was there every step of the way. He supported them not just as a father but as a dedicated fan and volunteer. Whether it was keeping the scorebooks or handling whatever task needed to be done, Shirley was always there, giving his time and energy to ensure that his girls and their teams had everything they needed. His presence was a comfort and a reassurance that no matter what, Dad was there, cheering them on and supporting them in every way possible.
Even after Misty and Julie graduated, Shirley’s love for sports never waned. He returned to Ranger Hill, where he had spent so many years as a fan with his brother Maynard, Aaron Pierce, and Lawrence Hodge, but this time he brought something extra with him—his famous no-bake cookies. These cookies became a signature of sorts, a sweet treat that he would bring to ball games, church outings, and family gatherings. They were simple, yet they carried with them the love and care that Shirley put into everything he did. Those cookies never lasted long; they were always the first to disappear, much like Shirley’s warm, infectious smile.
Shirley Peters would be immensely proud of all his grandchildren. He played a significant role in raising Kaitlin, who carries forward his legacy. Aidan is serving in Poland, a duty that would surely have filled Shirley with pride. William, Zoe, and Cooper each embody the values Shirley cherished, and his love for them would have known no bounds. His great-granddaughter Paris would have been his right-hand girl, sharing his adventures and learning from his wisdom, creating a bond that would have been as strong as the memories he left behind. He would also be very proud of Thomas and Chris, who married his daughters and have taken excellent care of them.
Sadly, Shirley passed away at age 61 on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010. His loss was deeply felt by everyone who knew him, but his memory lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched. At his funeral, Pastor Ray Colbaugh spoke of Shirley’s famous cookies, a small but poignant reminder of the love and joy that Shirley brought to all who knew him. Whenever I think of Uncle Shirley, I can almost taste those cookies again. They were more than just a dessert; they were a symbol of the man who made them—a man who loved deeply, who gave generously, and who lived his life with a passion for the things he loved. Shirley Peters was a true Ranger and Warrior, a devoted father, and a cherished friend, and his legacy lives on in the memories we hold dear.
