Robert Sydney Shaw

Robert Sydney “Syd” Shaw, 93, passed away on October 29, 2025. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church in Oxford, MS. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 12:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the church. Waller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Shaw was born in Itta Bena, Mississippi, and grew up on a farm in the College Hill Community near Oxford. He graduated from University High School in 1950, attended the University of Mississippi for one semester, then joined the Navy and served three years during the Korean War. He then re-entered the University and majoring in accounting, earned a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.

He was employed at the University of Mississippi from 1956 until his retirement in 1994. During that time, he worked in various positions: Cost Accountant and Office Manager in the Physical Plant Department; Auditor and Assistant Comptroller; Executive Assistant to the Chancellor; and Associate Director of the Physical Plant Department. During those years he developed an intense loyalty and dedication to the University.

He was an Elder of First Presbyterian Church in Oxford where he held roles on various committees and as Clerk of the Session. Sydney was also very involved in the Oxford community. He assisted in United Way fund drives, was a member of the Lions Club and the Exchange Club. He also volunteered with the Boy Scouts and received the District Award of Merit and the God and Service Award. For his service to the Yocona Area Council he received the Silver Beaver Award in 1973.

During his retirement he continued to serve in his church and in the community. He and his wife Bobbie enjoyed traveling across the United States especially enjoying Presidential museums and national parks. He also loved to fish and garden. His large garden provided enough to share with friends and family. He began to grow sunflowers, and he sold them at the Mid-Town Farmer’s Market. He was known to some as “Sunflower Man.”

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Bobbie Shaw, of Oxford, and his sister, Jane Johnson of Canadian, TX. Survivors also include daughter, Laura Butler (Rob) of Oxford, and sons, Robert Shaw (Vickie) of Memphis and David Shaw (Susan) of Oxford. He had 12 grandchildren: Robbie Butler (Laura), Oksana Butler, Natasha Butler, Carolyn Butler, Vova Butler, Vitali Butler, Lera Butler, Martha Shaw, Sarah Locke (Kenny), Rachel Shaw, Maggie Jackson (Dustin), and Kelly Shaw. He had nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, William Shaw.

The family has asked that expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Mr. Shaw’s memory be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 924 Van Buren Avenue, Oxford, MS 38655.