Edward T. Sirls

 On March 23, 1929, a baby boy, Edward Tyree Sirls was born to Jesse and Annie Bates Sirls.  He was the oldest of 4 children. “Ed” was fondly known as a kind, giving person.  He loved his family, especially his parents and siblings. Edward grew up in Longview, Tx and attended school in the Lewis Chapel Community.  As Edward matured, he joined the United States Military where he served his country proudly from January 1954 – February 1956. He received an honorable discharge after his 3 years of service.  

            No stranger to hard work and dedication, Edward was very skilled and loyal, so work opportunities were never scarce. In early life, Edward married Annie Ruth Thompson and the two shared two children:  Edward Tyree Sirls , Jr. and Joanne Sirls Hines. 

            Later in life, Edward met the woman who would become his “life partner”, Betty Wilson.  Betty and Ed were married on April 6, 1962.  The two affectionately referred to each other as “Puff” and had an intense dedication to each other. When the couple moved to Dallas, they settled down in the predominately Black, affluent neighborhood of Hamilton Park.  They soon created roots in the community, becoming faithful members of clubs and lodges and joined Hamilton Park United Methodist Church.  In 1965, the couple welcomed the birth of their first son, Tracy Alan Sirls. 

            Edward quicky pursued a career at Sears &Roebuck, Valley View location where he began working in battery and tires. His charismatic charm and friendly disposition soon gained him a promotion of salesman in the department, where he made the largest sale of over 26,000! He continued at Sears where he became manager of the menswear department, that later lead to him becoming the General Manager of the Lewisville location.   In 1979, Edward and Betty decided to move back to Longview so they could be near their beloved family. 

Their home which was located at 407 Oak St, just minutes from the church was constructed with the help of a beloved family member, A.W. Pierce.  The couple joined the congregation of Lewis Chapel where Edward served as a steward, trustee, treasurer and recording steward. 

            Edward was employed by Longview Regional Hospital for several years. He was honored by the hospital in 1999 by being showcased on a national advertisement and a billboard, which was placed at the corner of Spur 63 South and Highway 80.  In July of 2022, Edward decided to finally sell their home and once again relocated to Dallas, where he could be near more of his “younger” family members. He chose to reside at Holiday, The Bentley which is a senior independent living facility near his beloved Hamilton Park area. Loyal to his name, Edward rejoined the congregation of Hamilton Park United Methodist ‘Church where he attended faithfully with the help of his granddaughter, Bridget.

            All who knew “Ed” described him as kind, caring and loyal. He was easy to talk to and often “the life of the party”.  He was not easily angered, yet those that saw that side of him said it was not a sight pleasant to see. He loved his church and family immensely and assisted as one of the primary organizers of the Bates, Ingram, Sirls and Pierce reunions.  He loved good eating and was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys.

            Edward was preceded in death by his father, Jesse Sirls;  mother, Annie Bates Sirls. Those who also preceded him in death were Annie Ruth Thompson Sirls, Betty Wilson Sirls; two brothers , Tracy Duan Sirls and Grady DeVaughn Sirls; his only sister, Bennie Jean Sirls Siegh; son, Keith Wilson (Ira ); one great grandson , LaCrege Anderson; two special cousins,  Mack ( Nora) and Bea.

            He leaves to cherish his memory:  two sons, Edward T. Sirls , Jr, Tracy Alan Sirls; daughter,  JoAnn Sirls Hines (Sammy) and Tracy Alan Sirls; grandchildren,  Bridget, Kevin, Aloysius (Julie), Charmaine , Abram , Christopher, Jamia , Brian (Bre) , Ollie  and Trevis (Donna); two nieces, Vernetta and Ronne; other special loved ones include: 2 daughters in loves, Bridgette and Ira; sixteen great-grandchildren, great nieces, nephews; and a special son, Sam (Gloria); along with a host of other relatives, friends and loved ones.