AUGUSTA, Ga. - Bennie Eugene "Gene"Shirey, Sr., after a six month battle with cancer, left this world and met his Savior Sunday, June 28, 2009 at University Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He will be dearly missed. Gene was a lifelong resident of Augusta and attended Dearing Full Gospel Church. Early in his life he worked for Borden's Dairy and in sales. He then started his own Landscaping Business which he thoroughly enjoyed. He retired in 2003 and worked for Mullin's Lab as a courier. To those who knew him, he will be remembered for his kind heart, bright smile and his outgoing personality. He never met a stranger. Besides spending time with his family, he enjoyed singing karaoke with friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clara Elsie and Shed Shirey. He is survived by his daughters, Angela L. Thiel of Macon, GA, Ginger Shirey Barefoot of Augusta, GA; son, Benny E. (Colleen) Shirey, Jr. of Augusta, GA; sisters, Millie Goodwin of Augusta, GA and Betty (Dean) Bales of Thomson, GA; brothers, James (Betty) Shirey of Virginia, Judson ( Ann) Shirey of Augusta, GA, Danny (April) Shirey of Augusta, GA; grandchildren, Trey Thiel, Jennifer DuPriest, Christy Thiel, Tessa Barefoot, and Meranda Barefoot. Also surviving are four great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held 3:00p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at Elliott's Lumpkin Road Chapel with Rev. Eddie Renew officiating. Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

The Augusta Chronicle-July 1, 2009