Clarence Shinault

Clarence Eugene "Gene" Shinault, a son given by the Lord to Clarence and Della (Robinette) Shinault, was born on November 30, 1931, and passed away peacefully in his home in Bluefield early Tuesday night, January 24, 2012, following a courageous battle with cancer. The span of his earthly pilgrimage was 80 years, 1 month and 24 days. In the days prior to his passing he had expressed to his family members and friends his desire to have his suffering be over and to depart and be with the Lord. Today we rejoice in the knowledge that he has passed the barrier of time as we know it and is forever at home with his Savior Jesus Christ. In June of 1955 he was married to Virginia Taylor Shinault, who survives. Together, for more than 56 years, they experienced the changing scenes of life in the joyous and fruitful companionship, which the Lord had entrusted to them. Surviving along with his wife Virginia are three children, including Daniel Shinault and Tina Garrett. He is also remembered and loved by five grandchildren, namely Misty Testerman, Shannon Finney, Candace Shinault, Ryan Shinault, and Zak Shinault; nine great-grandchildren, Shaman and Noah Testerman; Amber, Isaiah, Mason, and Isaac Finney; Annastazja and Daniel Casey; and Alex Shinault; sisters, Aletha Wiley and Oleta Nunley; brothers, Vernard , Bill, Doug, and Richard. Preceding him in death were his father and mother, Clarence and Della, and two brothers, Roger and David. 0 take my hand, dear Father, and lead Thou me, Till at my journey's ending I dwell with Thee. Alone I cannot wander one single day, So do Thou guide my footsteps on life's rough way. 0 cover with Thy mercy my poor, weak heart, Lest I in joy or sorrow from Thee depart. Permit Thy child to linger here at Thy feet, Thy goodness blindly trusting with faith complete. Though oft Thy power but faintly may stir my soul, With Thee, my Light in darkness. I reach the goal. Take then my hand, dear Father, and lead Thou me, Till at my journey's ending I dwell with Thee. Gene touched the lives of many people and maintained his trademark spirit all the way to the end. Friends and family are invited to attend a funeral service at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 1:00 PM with Rev. Billy Sadler and Rev. Eric Nunley officiating. Graveside services will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell where family and friends will serve as pallbearers and military honors will be conducted by the WV Honor Guard and the Mercer County Veterans Council. Friends may call on Saturday from 12:00-1:00, prior to services at the funeral home. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell is serving the family.