Marco Kim Shirah

Marco Kim Shirah, 68, passed away Monday, May 9, 2022 at his home while under the care of hospice.

Known to his friends as Kim, he had a big impact on this small world, and he will be greatly missed.

Loving husband to Barbara Gail, devoted father to April Mae Dillingham, Tausha Ann Sims, and Kimberly Michelle Willard, and adoring grandfather to Anabel Dillingham, Carter Dillingham, Avery Sims, Isaac Sims (“Little Man”), and Lillian Willard, his love and protection was felt for generations and will echo for years to come.

Kim was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia. He attended Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School, Chatham Jr. High, and Savannah High School. Kim worshipped at Inner City United Methodist Church. As a child he would go on to become an Eagle Scout in the Tomo Chi-Chi Order of the Arrow. Kim studied to be an electrician at Savannah Vocational School. 

In the Navy, Kim served with the SeaBees, providing critical infrastructure and support for the US Government and civilians in missions both here and abroad. His Naval career equipped him with the knowledge and skills that he used for the rest of his life to provide for his wife and 3 daughters. Kim retired after 25 years of exemplary service.

In civilian life, Kim worked at Union Camp until it became International Paper, and continued for 45 years until he retired from there as well. During this time, he served as shop steward, Area Representative, and Union Vice President for the United Paper-workers International Union (UPIU), United Steel Workers International Union (USW), and Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical, and Energy Workers International Union (PACE) to protect the rights of and create an equitable and fair workplace for hundreds of employees over the years.

Kim had a passion for Martial Arts. He practiced Chang Moo Kwan Taekwondo where he achieved the rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt. He was an instructor and teacher of the art, eager to share the secrets of self-defense with others. Kim competed in tournaments all over the state and won many awards for his agility, skill, and strength.

Kim also served his community as a member of the Masonic Lodge, Acacia Lodge #452, and as a York Rite Alee Shriner. His affiliation with these organizations and their charity work improved the lives of those in need in his community.

The cancer that ultimately consumed him moved quickly, but he fought it to the bitter end. Kim’s battle is fought and now he rests. 

Kim is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara Gail Shirah of Midway, Georgia; daughter and son-in-law,  April Mae and Ryan Dillingham and their children, Anabel Ruth and Carter Ryan Dillingham all of Cedar Bluff, Alabama; daughter and son-in-law, Tausha Ann and Jim Sims and their children, Avery James and Isaac Jacob Sims all of Tuttle, Oklahoma; daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly Michelle and Cory Willard and their child, Lillian Brooke Willard all of Midway, Georgia; sister, Nina Mae Harris of Atlanta, Georgia, brother, Luther Leon Shirah, Jr. of Bloomingdale, Georgia and several nieces and nephews. 

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Bonaventure Cemetery, Greenwich Section with James Lavin eulogizing. Masonic rites will be rendered at the graveside.

Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home, Flemington, is handling arrangements.

 

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