Ben was born March 23, 1947, in Mineola, Texas to Benjamin Moses Shirey and Billie Novelle Smith Shirey.
He passed away July 20, 2018, in Tyler, Texas.
Ben grew up in Rusk and Highlands, Texas. He graduated from Baytown High School before receiving his Bachelor's Degree from North Texas State University and attending Southwestern Graduate School of Banking. Ben married Laura Leigh Peete June 29, 1974. The two lived in Dallas and Longview before settling in Canton. Ben worked in banking over 40 years and served as President of First National Bank Canton for 25 years. Some of his favorite hobbies included golf, collecting antiques, visiting First Monday and restoring his grandfather's 1951 Chevy truck. Ben was an active member of First Baptist Church in Canton since 1990. He was also very active in his community serving in Lion's Club, Canton Economic Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce of which he was voted Citizen of the Year in 2014.
Ben is survived by his wife of 44 years, Laura Leigh Shirey; Daughter, Summer and Kyle Norman; Daughter, Heather and Lee Axtens; Son, Jason Shirey; Daughter, Laura Beth Shirey; 6 Grandchildren, Benjamin, Kylee, and Brady Norman, Gabriel, Evan, and Tori Axtens; Mother, Billie Shirey; Sisters, Angela Terry, Jill Casey, and LeAnne Barron and Brothers, Lance Shirey and John Shirey.
He is preceded in death by his Father, Benjamin Moses Shirey.
Family will receive friends Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mallory’s Heart, PO Box 1481, Canton, TX, 75103, Gideons International or (Charley and Julie Elliott) Soul Harvest Missions, PO Box 1149, Keller, TX 76244.
