John Henry Shirley

John Henry Shirley (JH) was born on June 12, 1932 in Sentinel, Oklahoma and went home to be with the Lord on December 20, 2016 in Plano, Texas. John is survived by his wife Norma Faye Shirley. They met in Paris, Arkansas and were married for 63 years. They went to school together and had many shared childhood memories. John and Norma were of a strong Christian faith in the Baptist and Assembly of God churches throughout their lives. John was in the United States Army and served in the Korean War as a Corporal for 2 years. He was a self-employed brick mason contractor employing approximately 20 people. He played the bass guitar and sang in several bands, including Plano Country, for many years at various opries and venues in different cities. John was a member of the Dallas Banjo Band since 1989. He played the banjo, bass guitar (eventually becoming the main bass player) and occasionally sang. He was awarded the Smokey Award in 1998 and again in 2008. He is the only person to have received the award twice.

John was preceded in death by his parents Paul Herbert Shirley and Minnie Hazel Shirley, sisters Pauline Fowler and Lila Farmer, infant son Ronald Shirley and infant daughter Eleanor Shirley.

In addition to his wife Norma, John is survived by daughter, Debbie Mueller and husband Greg, and daughter Janece Sims and husband Fred; granddaughter, Leilah Farmer and husband Alan; grandson, Adam Everett and wife Sarah; grandson, Alex Everett; great-granddaughter, Sondra Vasquez and husband Marco; great-granddaughter, Hattie Everett; and great-great-granddaughter, Avah Vasquez; sister, Ruth Summers and husband Rev. H.L. "Buck"; brother, Dr. Phil Shirley and wife Jeannine; aunt, Geneva Saarty; sister-in-law, Emily West; as well as many loving family and friends.

Memorial Services will be held January 21, 2017 at 12:00 P.M. at Grove Hill Funeral Home, 3920 Samuell Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75228 (214-388-8887).