OAK HILL, WV (WOAY) – Legendary WOAY broadcaster and state legislator Shirley Love was laid to rest on Monday. Love passed away on Friday at the age of 87 after a decades-long career in both broadcasting and politics.
Family, friends and community members gathered at Calvary Baptist Church in Oak Hill for his funeral.
Rev. Dr. John Savage served as the minister for the service.
“Friends, we have gathered here to praise and to witness to our faith as we celebrate the life of Shirley Dean Love,” Savage said. “Jesus said, ‘I died and behold I am alive forevermore. I hold the keys of hell and death. Because I live. You should live also.’ Ladies and gentlemen, Shirley Love is very much alive. Thanks be to God.”
Dave Perry, who served in the House when Love was in the Senate, and has been a lifelong friend was asked by Love to deliver his eulogy.
“He honored and revered his wife, Audrey. His wife of 68 years, and he cherished the life they shared to the bitter end, Audrey,” Perry said. “He loved his entire being. His children know that. His grandchildren, but he did want you to know Christie was his favorite daughter. Shirley wanted me to remind you that he wanted to be remembered as a man of the people.”
Several members of the West Virginia House and Senate attended including Senator Ron Stollings who memorialized Love by reading the Senate’s proclamation.
“It is fitting that we play tribute to the Honorable Shirley Dean Love, a man whose contributions to the state of West Virginia will be felt for many generations to come and whose spirit will resound throughout the hills of West Virginia forever,” Senator Stollings said.
Dave Perry finished off his eulogy paying tribute to his friend by using one of his key catchphrases from his broadcasting days.
“As hard as it is for me to say this, goodbye. It’s time to put out the fire and call the dogs in,” Perry said.
Love was buried in High Lawn Memorial Park.
The family held two visitations on Sunday and before the service on Monday to limit attendance to comply with the COVID-19 guidelines.
Check out our tribute to Shirley Love.
