Tirey graduated from Walker High School in Jasper, Ala., and Auburn University. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952 until 1954.
He was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ, having served as a deacon, elder and Sunday school teacher. He was a member of Clear Creek Church of Christ in Hixson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Jackson and Lou Ella Ellis Tirey; sisters, Ora Knight, Jessie Lollar and Virginia Sartain; and brother, Clyde Tirey.
He is survived by his wife, Sara Lou; sons, Kenneth (Bonnie) Tirey of Greenville, South Carolina and Gregory Tirey; daughter, Donna (Timothy) Commers of Chattanooga; grandsons, Joshua, Kaleb and Nathan Commers; many nieces and nephews; and sister, Bettye Garrett of Jasper, Ala.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date by Covenant Funeral Home and Crematory in Chattanooga. Condolences may be made at www.CovenantFuneral.com.
Covenant Funeral & Crematory,
Chattanooga, Tenn.; (423) 485-0911