Rev. James Ray Tirey

Rev. James Ray Tirey, 82, of Benton, Ark., began eternity with his Lord on December 13, 2017. He was born June 14, 1935 in Tuckerman, Ark., to the late Clarence and Ethel McGinnus Tirey. Rev. James Tirey was a man of God who preached the gospel for over 43 years. He pastored several churches including Cord Baptist Church, White River Baptist Church, East Side Baptist Church in Cave City, Sulphur Rock Baptist Church, and Diaz Baptist Church. Everything he did was "God-related" his entire life. Rev. James Tirey was a member of Village Creek Baptist Church. He loved spending times outdoors raking leaves and enjoying the sunshine. Rev. Tirey enjoyed watching Cardinals baseball and Razorback football. Rev. Tirey was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Aden "Ace" Tirey, Ed Tirey, and Wayne Tirey; and sister, Mary Pollard. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Joan Lynne Tirey of Benton, Ark.; son, Jimmy Tirey and wife Molly of Little Rock and their children: Anna Jetton and Adam Tirey; three daughters: Erin Johnson and husband Raymond of Benton, Ark., and their son, Bryan Johnson and wife Kelly, Tierney Tirey of Las Vegas, Nev.; and Desiree Eyler of North Lake, Texas and her children, Gleen Boyett and Ashley Griggs and her husband Jon; five great-grandchildren: Keeley Johnson, Landon Johnson, Zoe Griggs, Luke Griggs, and Zane Griggs; and a host of family members and friends who love Rev. Tirey and will miss him always. Graveside service, officiated by Rev. Nathan Winiecki, will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, December 18, at McNew Cemetery in Greenbrier, Arkansas. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.