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BORN
1929
DIED
2017
Tommy Irvin Obituary
The Hall County, Ga., native, who led the agriculture department for 42 years, from 1969 until 2011, was 88.
Details about his death have not been released, but Irvin had suffered from Parkinson's disease and other ailments.
Irvin family spokeswoman Brenda James Griffin said in a statement Friday he was a "giant of a man" who leaves behind an unparalleled legacy. He is also remembered as a mentor to future Gov. Zell Miller.
Read his obituary and reaction to his death on ajc.com
On MyAJC.com: An indepth remembrance of Tommy Irvin, whose politics spanned a generation of massive change
From Georgia Trend magazine: Veteran politics reporter Tom Crawford's profile of Tommy Irvin, "The Last of His Kind"
Memories and Condolences
for Tommy Irvin
23 Entries
Karen McDonald
July 9, 2018
I remember when I first came to Georgia, Tommy Irvin and his department were so helpful to me. I felt like I had found friends. The kindness they showed me and the interest in my knowing about my soil and foliage made me feel right at home. I appreciate Tommy's dedication and the manner in which he ran the Georgia Department of Agriculture. He is missed.
TT
September 24, 2017
I am sorry for the loss of your loved one. He seemed like he was a very driven and determined individual that let nothing get in his way. My prayers are with the family both now, and forever.
Tom Delaney
September 19, 2017
AGR Brothers Johnny, Jimmy and David sorry for your loss of your Father as we in Georgia also lost a great Georgian. I was proud to work for him for 15 years and appreciated his helping me get the job. He did a great deal for the state and agriculture nationally as a leader in NASDA. He left a great legacy.
Brother Tom Delaney
Bob Herndon
September 18, 2017
Commissioner Irvin was a great man. He gave tickets to the Atlanta BBQ Club for the Wild Hog Supper. One time I visited and we had BBQ lunch at his office and talked bbq. He will be missed.
Deborah Neal-Rowland
September 18, 2017
My Father in Law, Taylor Rowland from Dexter Ga, worked for The Department of Agriculture with Tommy Ivin at the helm. The eradication of hog coalira is one of many great legacies. Mr Irvin truly carried about Georgia and every aspect of Farming, human, animal and Mother Earth, the land.
Ann Bolton
September 16, 2017
Commissioner Irvin was a fine person. My father worked under him as a supervisor in the meat inspection division. They became friends. He hunted at their farm and they always ran his hospitality room at the Farm Bureau Convention at Jekyll Island. He loved Mama's crackling cornbread! After Daddy retired the Commmissionef continued his friendship and they continued to run the hospitality room until their health failed. It was so touching for me to look up and see him at both of their funerals. He had a busy schedule, but he took the time to come. I have never forgotten that kindness. He was a down to earth, sincere person. He was always kind wherever you saw him.
My sympathies to his family. May God's light perpetually shine upon him.
Ann Hyde
September 16, 2017
I was privileged to serve on the structial pest control board for 11.5 years I enjoy serving for the commissioner very much
Bobbie Whitmire
September 16, 2017
Sincere condolence to the Irvin family on your loss.
Poultry Grader
Gainesville, Georgia
1976-1995
Carolyn Lanier. Gleaton
September 16, 2017
My husband worked as Supervisor under Mr.Irvin for many years. We thought of Mr. Irvin as a gentle, kind, fair , God fearing man. Rest in Peace.
Randy Rush
September 15, 2017
MW Brother Irwin and my Grandfather Dewey Rush from Glennville GA were very good Friends. When I joined the Scottish Rite I got the honor of meeting him. It was one of the highlights of my Masonic journey thus far. He was a great Man and will be missed. Rest in peace Brother Tommy.
Jimmy Outlaw
September 15, 2017
Commissioner Irvin was Agriculture Commissioner before I graduated from high school. I went to work for the Georgia Department of Agriculture immediately after graduating from UGA and he was still Commissioner after I retired some 32 years later. To say he had a big effect on my life would be an understatement. He was always fair and stood behind his employees. He was a true friend to both the farmers and consumers of Georgia.
Rest in peace, Commissioner.
Gail LaBerge
September 15, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. He carried about Georgia and the Agriculture Industry.
Alicia Gazaway Rainwater
September 15, 2017
I am Alicia Gazaway Rainwater. My father, Bill Gazaway and Tommy and Gene Sutherland were great friends, and I always enjoyed being around them at races and other social events when the three of them were together. Mr. Irvin was a fine man and a wonderful friend to my dad. My husband, Ed, worked for Mr. Irvin for a short while and says he was a fair and good boss.
When my dad died and Tommy and Gene came to the funeral home with tears on their eyes and tributes to their friend, it touched me to the core that such stately men had such tender hearts for their friend. Now he is up there with Daddy watchin races and joking as they used to do.
I wanted to express my deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God give you peace and comfort beyond all understanding.
Weyman Smith
September 15, 2017
As one of my board members at The Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission, I have many fond memories of my many meetings with Commissioner Irvin. He related many stories of situations he encountered which proved beneficial to me during my tenure as Director of the Investment Division of the Commission. My prayers are with his family during this time.
William & Sandra Westmoreland
September 15, 2017
One of the finest men I ever met, always a true friend, his door was always open.
A fond memory, is when I took my oldest daughter to see him, and although he was in a conference, he got down to business with her diaper, never missing a beat. Much to the surprise of all in attendance.
He was just that sort of man. Something needed doing, he took care of it.
He will be sorely missed, by all.
RIP Mr. Tommy
Ron Thomas
September 15, 2017
Tommy was a good friend and a great Georgia official. My cousin Tom Murphy, former Ga Speaker of the House talked about him often. He will always be remembered as the Best Agriculture Commissioner in Georgia. My thought and prayers go to his family. I know they are as proud of him as all State of Georgia employees are.
September 15, 2017
Sincere condolence to the Irvin family on your loss.
Ballard H. Graham
Former FDA Atlanta District Director
1994-2002
Annette Wright
September 15, 2017
Thanks for everything you accomplished for the state of Georgia,you will be missed.
September 15, 2017
Tommy was a great American and a true friend! We all miss him. Former Congressman Don Johnson
Brian O'Shea
September 15, 2017
From Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black:
"Commissioner Irvin loved serving Georgia's farmers and consumers for over three generations. He touched us all with his unsurpassed spirit of stewardship, commitment and work ethic. Beyond agriculture, his commitment to education put a strong and admirable exclamation point on his life's work. We pray for and offer our condolences to the Irvin family during this difficult period."
Posted by AJC staff
Brown Family
September 15, 2017
Irvin Family, Friends,
Please accept our heartfelt prayers on the passing of your dear loved one. Our condolences to the family. God is our refuge and strength.-PS.46:1
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
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