May 14, 1932 — June 23, 2012

NATCHEZ — Graveside services for Rochester Shiers, 80, of Natchez, who died Saturday, June 23, 2012, at his residence, will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery in Vicksburg with the Rev. Carl Smith officiating.

Burial will follow at the cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Laird Funeral Home.

Mr. Shiers was born May 14, 1932, in Louise, the son of Fred Floyd Shiers and Ida Mae Hope Shiers. He attended Washington Baptist Church, and was retired from Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Helen Shiers, and two brothers, Carl Shiers and Hilbert Shiers.

Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Ruth H. Shiers; one son, Chester “Chet” Shiers and wife, Donna, of Summit; three daughters, Betsy Bayne of Charleston, S.C., Cindy Phillips and Cheri Shiers, both of Byram; one step-daughter, Brenda Smith of Brookhaven; one step-son, Billy C. Wilson and wife, Janice, of Meadville; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Buddy Shiers and John Shiers, both of Vicksburg, and special friends, Gwen and Byron Carnette of Natchez.

Pallbearers will be Dean Bonsall, Marty Jackson, Lindsey Jackson, Ryan Smith, Rocky Shiers and Jimbo Shiers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, Washington Baptist Church or the American Lung Association.

Online condolences may be made to www.lairdfh.com.