Joe Bryan Shirley, 85 of Waxahachie, passed away Sunday, April 8, 2012 in Italy. He was born to Charley D. Shirley and Arvie Eason on September 13, 1926 in Italy.

Joe was a farmer and rancher, retiring in 1990. He loved gardening and always had a beautiful garden. He was very passionate about wood working in his wood shed and was an amazing Sunday School teacher. He was a member of Southlake Baptist Church, Waxahachie; served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, pastor search committees and other committees within the church. He served as treasurer of the Ellis Baptist Association from 1967 to 1977; he served as a honorary member in the FFA program at Italy High School and served as a board member of Farm Bureau.

Joe married Estelle Banks Shirley on October 7, 1955 and after her passing, he married Pauline Ella Topham McKee on April 7, 1978. Joe proudly served his country, serving in the United States Army Signal Corps during the Korean Conflict from 1951 to 1952. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Pauline Topham McKee Shirley; his children, Betty McKee McCrary of Shreveport, Guy Perman McKee of Ewell, Texas, Theresa McKee Wiles and her husband, Thomas of Waxahachie; his sisters, Evelyn Shirley Wood and her husband, Baker of Ft. Worth and Helen Baker of Waxahachie; his grandchildren, Eric McCrary, Kennen McKee and his wife, April, Kenesa McKee Mobisa and her husband, Joe, Kristy McCrary Langley and her husband, Chris, Melissa Wiles Huneycutt and her husband, Chad and Tommy Wiles; he is also survived by 10 great grandchildren.

 Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Charley and Arvie Eason Shirley; his wife, Estelle Banks Shirley; sisters, Florence Ringo and Frances Daffron; and also by his son-in-law, Newman McCrary.

Services to celebrate his life are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at Central Baptist Church, Italy, with Dr. Charles Wade and Pastor Craig Lloyd officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Burial Park.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at Wayne Boze Funeral Home, Waxahachie.