Irby Mandrell

RIP. I'm a fan of Barbara mandrell.I can see how much she loved her daddy.

I didn't know him. I only know of him. His remarkable life, amazing musical talent, and beautiful family. I am one of those fans he was always making happy. All men should aspire to his talent, commitment, and faith. He changed the course of the planet. Thank you, Mr. Mandrell.

In the late `70s I worked the front desk at Music City News, and Irby and Mary maintained an office right down the hall. Irby would often stop in and chat. I bought a moped and started it riding to and from work. Irby came in very concerned one day because it was raining, and he thought I was going to get hurt. He told me how he used to be a motorcycle cop in California, and they would always get their bikes off the street when it started to rain, due to the risk of skidding. He was truly concerned for me, and it made such an impression on me that I remember and heed his words of wisdom to this day.

In loving memory of a wonderful Uncle. I will love you and miss you always.
The last time I saw you was in the Hospital in Hendersonville. You always welcomed Me into your Heart, into your Home. I remembered you were so happy in the hospital room. I see, you never forget your relatives when you saw Me after all these years. I never forget Family, and You will always be missed Uncle Irby...

I met Irby and Mary in the 1970s when I was working at Music City News and their office was right down the hall in the Faron Young Building on Division Street. I started riding a moped to and from work, and he was concerned about me riding in the rain on wet streets. He told me about being a motorcycle cop and how they would put away their motorcycles as soon as it started to rain. He showed a fatherly concern for me that touched me deeply. Plain spoken but honest. A good man.