Dr. John Crawford Irvine

Dr. John Crawford Irvine, Ph.D., age 82, of Harrogate, TN, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, October 26, 2025. He was known by many in the community for his tenure at Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN, and his popular stage productions attended by both locals and others from surrounding areas.

Born in Memphis, TN, on May 27, 1943, to the late John and Margaret Huffman Irvine, John developed an early interest in the performing arts. His theatre debut as the lead, Hamlet, in his high school’s production of Hamlet revealed an ambitious drive to deliver only the best performances to the audience. Following graduation from Oakhaven High School, Memphis, TN, John received a B.A. in Speech and Drama from Lambuth College, Jackson, TN. He completed post-graduate work at The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, receiving a M.A. in Dramatic Art in 1969. During the summers of 1964 and 1965, he performed in the well-known, outdoor historical drama, Unto These Hills, Cherokee, NC. He continued his studies at Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, where he earned a Ph.D. in Theatre in 1976. His dissertation, “Character Delineation in Selected Playscripts of Charles Macarthur and His Collaborators,” focused on works by the husband of acclaimed actress, Helen Hayes. Throughout his academic career, John assembled a resumé of acting and directing roles that displayed his talent to the fullest. His community and professional experiences included directing performances with the Circuit Playhouse, Memphis, TN, and Playhouse on the Square, a professional theatre in Memphis, TN.

As John’s career in theatre continued, a desire to educate and inspire others who were “bitten” by the performance bug became a priority. He taught theatre and drama at both Radford College, Radford, VA, and Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, before his 32-year tenure at Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN, where he served as Professor of Theatre and Speech Communications and Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, and from where he retired. As Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences he instilled the belief in his students that, “A liberal arts education is truly a master key…to many doors of career opportunities.”

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Daniel W. Irvine, and sister, Debbie Melder.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 47 years, Billie Irvine; daughters, Sheri Kirby (Roger Day), and Shana (Joe) Morehead; grandson, Josh Kirby; granddaughters, Morgan (Jacob) Beckner and Braylin (Jackson) Miller; brother, Warren Lee (Toni) Irvine; Billie’s children, Jenné Culbertson, Lyle Edward “Trip” Hill, and Thomas Todd Hill; grandchildren, Madelyn (Trey) Aguirre and Riley Culbertson; and four great-grandchildren as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

The family of John Irvine will receive friends on Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Covenant United Methodist Church, Middlesboro, KY. Funeral services will immediately follow at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. Chuck Shroll presiding. Music will be provided by Corey Eldridge.

At the conclusion of the funeral service, family and friends will travel in procession to the Harrogate Cemetery, Harrogate, TN, where graveside services will be held.

Pallbearers will be family and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to one of the following:

In honor of Dr. Irvine's legacy, LMU is dedicating a Patron of the Arts Scholarship in his name.  Contributions can be made at this link http://www.lmunet.edu/patrons. 

Covenant Methodist Church, 602 Dorchester Ave, Middlesboro, KY 40965

Online register book and condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com.

All arrangements for Dr. John Crawford Irvine are under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY.