Earl Franklin Shirks departed this life on Thursday, October 1st, 2026, at the age of 82. Earl was born on Thursday, May 10th, 1944, in St. Charles, Virginia, and spent his later years at Heritage Hall Rehabilitation in Big Stone Gap, Virginia.

Earl was a dedicated and hardworking individual, having spent his career as a coal miner before retiring. His commitment to his work and his family was unwavering.

Earl is survived by his sons, Shawn Shirks and Eric Pennington, . He is also survived by his grandchildren Skylie Shirks, Caden Shirks, and Emily Pennington devoted sister, Tammy Shirks, and Rachel Renee Abernathy. Earl's life was enriched by the companionship and care of his dear niece and caretaker, Theresa "Michelle" Bledsoe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Franklin Shirks and Mamie Lou Roberts Shirks, his beloved daughter, Heather Orick Shirks, and his brothers, Billy Ray, Paul, Richard, David, Jackie, Johnny, and Gary Shirks, as well as Thomas and Junior Phillips. Earl also joins his infant brother, Howard Stapelton, and his sisters, Margaret Green, Helen Middelton, Betty Colinsworth Flannary, and Nancy Byrd, in eternal rest.

The family will receive friends in the chapel of Pennington Gap Funeral Home Tuesday, October 6th, 2026 form 11:00am-1:00pm with a graveside service to follow at the Pennignton Memorial Cemetery at 2:00pm with Pastor Paul Davis. Jr officiating.

The Shirks family is in the care of Jones-Pennington Gap Funeral Home, where arrangements are being made to honor Earl's life and legacy.