Ben J. Brittain, 90, of Shelbyville, passed away Monday, December 19, 2022, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 22, 2022, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Son Windham and Rusty Hall officiating.  Interment will follow at Duncan Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Born December 8, 1932, in Rural Shelby County, Ben is the son of Nettie Eddins Brittain and Hearn Brittain.  Ben worked as a heavy equipment operator on various pipeline construction jobs.  His hobbies included traveling, hunting, and fishing.  He was a member of International Union of Operating Engineers.

He is survived by his wife, whom he married on January 10, 1959, Shirley Shull Brittain of Shelby County; daughter, Karen and husband Jimmy Everett Mitchell; son, Michael Lance Brittain; grandchildren, Susan Lea Mitchell, Brian Everett Mitchell and wife Amanda, Natalie Erin Brittain, Donovan Lance Brittain; great granddaughter, Hailey Madison Mitchell; sister, Marjorie Brittain Lundy; brother-in-law, Johnny Hargrove of Shelbyville; nieces, Kim Hargrove Bridges of Center, Pam Brittain, Lynette Vaughn, Yondi Brittain Upchurch; nephew, Michael Lynn Brittain; also, numerous other family members.

Preceded in death by parents, Nettie Eddins Brittain and Hearn Brittain; brothers, Lamar Brittain, Hugh "Cotton" Brittain, Hershell Brittain, Joe Brittain; sister, Oneita Brittain Vaughn; and sister-in-law, Mary Frances Shull Hargrove.

Pallbearers will be Michael Lance Brittain, Aaron Steptoe (Hay Man), Clint Carol (White Car Man), Richard Sharp, Aaron Wilburn, and Darren Wilburn.  Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Mitchell, Troy Shofner, David Jones, Brian Everett Mitchell, Susan Mitchell, Donovan Lance Brittain, Natalie Brittain, and Hailey Mitchell.

Donations may be made to Shelby County Cancer Fund, PO Box 283, Shelbyville, Texas 75973.