Mrs. Shirley B. Tye, 81, of Barbourville, passed away Friday evening, February 13, 2026 at her home. She was born June 27, 1944 in Barbourville, the daughter of the late John Burton and Lois Taylor Burton Grubb.
Shirley was a former instructional assistant and lunchroom aide with the Barbourville Independent Schools. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Barbourville and attended the First Baptist Church of Barbourville. Her greatest joy in life was cheering for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren at all of their events. She was a proud and devoted Barbourville Tiger fan, a loyal UK basketball supporter and found great joy in attending church services.
On July 1, 1965, she united in marriage with John F. Tye, who preceded her in death.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings, William Sprinkles, Charlene Morgan and Lindsey Grubb Jr. and a special cousin who was like a brother, Robert Gross.
Survivors include her dearly loved children, Sandy Lundy and husband, James, Johhny Tye and wife, Wanda, and Amy Cox and husband, Bodie, all of Barbourville; sisters, Debbie Hughes of Ohio and Charlotte Baker and husband, Jim, of Corbin; brothers, Charles Burton of Florida, Calvin Grubb and wife, Jane, and Sonny Grubb all of Barbourville; cherished grandchildren, Jennifer Shannon, Kara Beth Thompson and husband, Cody, Alex Jones, Bailey Lundy, Macy Smith, Ethan Smith, Jacob Lundy and Jeremiah Lundy; great grandchildren, Sarah and Jocie Khan, Case and Miley Jo Thompson; special cousins, Bonnie Callihan and husband, Scott, Judy Foley and husband, Greg, Scotty Lickliter, Debbie Gray and Jackie Bargo; special friends who were like sons, Jeff Ketcham, Ty Clark and Rex Miller; among other loved ones and dear friends who will cherish her memory.
Her funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Wednesday, February 18 at 4 P.M. with Dr. Tyler Shields and Rev. Shane Bingham officiating. She will be laid to rest in the Faulkner Chapel Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be Cody Thompson, Bailey Lundy, Ethan Smith, Jacob Lundy, Jeremiah Lundy and Alex Jones. Serving as an honorary bearer will be Dane Foley.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Wednesday after 1 P.M. until the funeral hour.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
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For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.