Billy Hugh Irwin Sr.

PERRY-

Billy Hugh Irwin Sr., 88, passed away on Wednesday, August 2, 2017. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary at First Baptist Church of Perry. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Perry. Interment will be in Walnut Cemetery in Unadilla immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to First Baptist Church of Perry Building Fund, 1105 Main Street, Perry, GA 31069.

Mr. Irwin was born in Jefferson County, Alabama, to the late G.E. and Ruby Shugart Irwin. In his early days, he attended and played baseball at Middle Georgia College. He was then drafted to the Cleveland Indians baseball team and played with them for a short time before being drafted to the U.S. Army. He proudly served our country during the Korean War where he earned 3 bronze stars. Upon return stateside and after being in the military, Mr. Irwin began working in Civil Service at Robins Air Force Base as an Aircraft Mechanic. Throughout his tenure at RAFB, he was eventually promoted to Supervisor before he retired after 30 years of service. Mr. Irwin had been a member of First Baptist Church of Perry for 57 years, was a member of the Jimmy Teresi Sunday School Class where he was treasurer. For many years, he was a Deacon, an Usher, and had lovingly been titled the “official after-church greeter.” Mr. Irwin was a Mason and a former member of the VFW. He loved his family, his extended family, and the many friends that he had come to know throughout his life. Mr. Irwin was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, LaRue King Irwin; his sister, Ernestine Beck; and his brother, Reverend Cecil Irwin.

Left to cherish the memories of Mr. Irwin are his loving and devoted children, Hugh Irwin, Jr. (Monica) of Tampa, FL, Bobby Irwin (Sharon) of Perry, and September Lieberman (Eric) of Perry; his grandchildren, Will Irwin, Colin Irwin, Robert Irwin, Dawn Hunnicutt, Bert Douglas, Ryan Lieberman (Courtney), and Matthew Lieberman; 7 great-grandchildren; his brother, James Ray Irwin of Unadilla; his sister, Martha Bashaw of Unadilla; and several nieces and nephews.

Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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