97, of Hazel Green, Alabama, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026. He was born on Jan.18, 1929, to the late James Monroe and Ella Lee Jones Hirlston. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Rosie May Hirlston; son-in-law, Ron Shaffer; two sisters, Eula Honea and Kathleen Edwards and two brothers, Frank Hirlston and Harlon Hirlston. Mr. Hirlston was a retired press operator for NASA and was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Survivors include two daughters, Sandie Shaffer and Amanda (Sean) Linnihan and three grandchildren, Emily Shaffer, Kelley Shaffer, and Catherine Linnihan.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in the chapel of Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home with the Rev. Benny Berry officiating. Burial will follow in Lincoln Cemetery.

Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of

Whitt Hillard Hirlston.