Van Irby

Mr. Lee Van Irby, Sr.,75,  died on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at his residence after a period of declining health. He was born in Pontotoc County on March 31, 1946 to the late Archie Prentiss Irby & Lillie Mae Miller Irby. Educated in the Pontotoc Public Schools, Van married Mary C. Collums Irby on Oct. 15, l966.  To this union was born 3 sons, Lee, Joey and Roy. The Irby’s made their home in Pontotoc until about 25 years ago when they moved to Tupelo.  Vanwas good with his hands and was a master mechanic and carpenter much of his working life.  A member of South Green Baptist Church, Van was a deeply spiritual Christian man -kind hearted, caring and encouraging to his family and others.  He loved children and spent much time assisting his wife, Mary, with fundraisers for LeBonheur  Children’s Hospital in Memphis.  He loved his wife and sons and their families, was a master woodworker and enjoyed gardening and growing flowers, especially yellow roses.   

A service celebrating his life will take place at 11 AM Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022 in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel of Holland Funeral Directors in Tupelo.  Private burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Pontotoc Co. Visitation will be from 4-7PM Today, Friday, Jan. 7, 2022 and from 10AM- Service Time Saturday, Jan. 8, 2021 at the funeral home. Holland Funeral Directors is honored to be serving their friends.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Irby; his sons, Lee Irby, Jr. (Beverly) of Randolph, Archie “Joey” Ibry (Shawna) of Guntown and Roy Irby of Middleburg Florida; his grandchildren, Amber Dawn Rajacich, Stacy Lee Irby, Paige Smitherman, Jonathan Irby and Dakota Ellis; his great grandchildren, Noah Rajacich, Harley Joe Rajacich and Ezra Smitherman; his brothers, Edward Irby and William Irby of Pontotoc. He was preceded in death by his parents Archie P. & Lillie Mae Irby and three brothers, James Irby, Charles Irby & Richard Irby.

Memorials may be made to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, P. O. Box 41817, Memphis, Tenn. 38174. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at www.hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Livestreaming.