George Wayne Irby

George Wayne Irby
Virginia Beach - George Wayne Irby, "Became a Christmas Angel for all at 12:55am on December 25th, 2012"
Faithful and loving son of the late Rose Adelaide and Meade Irving Irby; caring and supportive younger brother of the late Clifford Gibson Irby, Sr. and brother-in-law to the late Anne Irby; devoted husband and best friend to his wife of 50 years, the late Dorothy Mathay-Richardson Irby; devoted and dedicated husband to his childhood sweetheart and surviving wife of almost 15 years, Norma Craig Irby; father and mentor to his beloved sons, Donn Wayne Irby and his wife, Paula; Jon Wade Irby and his wife, Frances "Frannie"; devoted loving grandfather to his granddaughter, Kimberly Beth Irby; step-grandsons, Jason and Brett Johnson; uncle and supportive mentor to his nephews, Clifford G. Irby, Jr. and George M. Irby; niece, Jane Atwood; supportive step-father to Craig Tyler and Bette Crawley; mentor to hundreds of young professionals and politicians who sought his sage wisdom on life, business and the world of politics; dedicated state and civic leader; decorated soldier and revered railroader are all accurate descriptions of Heaven's newest Christmas Angel.
George Wayne Irby was a son of the Great Depression era, with nine decades plus of life experiences, Wayne continued to exemplify to his last day of life why he and his peers from the Greatest Generation were the kind of men and women who put service to family, community and nation ahead of themselves. He served in the United States Army in the 1st Infantry Division and 79th Infantry Division during World War II earning a Bronze Star for his stellar service. He continued his service to his nation and the Commonwealth of Virginia with the Virginia National Guard serving as a reservist through the eras of the Korean and Viet Nam conflicts. He was a "Berkley Boy" and attended Norfolk Public Schools: Lincoln, Ruffner and Maury.
Wayne was a mentor throughout his almost 50 years of service to the Norfolk and Western Railroad working through its being incorporated into the Norfolk Southern Corporation. He was a member of the South Norfolk Masonic Lodge AF & AM #339 and the Khedive ShrineTemple. Wayne was well known for his pig pickings and fish fry's and was famous for his fresh hushpuppies; hundreds of people have been treated to an evening of fun, food and drink in his backyard. Wayne served as an officer, chairman and president of many organizations including the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, Chesapeake Shrine Club, Tidewater and Chesapeake Transportation Clubs, and Chesapeake, Tidewater Regional and State Port Authority. His service to his churches was well known and appreciated among his beloved South Norfolk community, friends and neighbors. He served as a church deacon and Sunday School Superintendent. He was a true servant of God through his unselfish generosity throughout his life by stretching out his hand to others in need.
Wayne's family would like to thank the staff of Atlantic Shores and the Seaside Center for their devotion and loving care during these past six months. At no time did he want for anything or experience any pain while fighting his cancer. These caring folks ensured that his last times of life were spent being tenderly cared for while allowing his children to be there as children. His Care Givers from Arcadia stood side by side with his sons as newly adopted brothers and sisters to have "Pop" always ready to greet the world with a smile.
"Well done, good and faithful servant. Inherit your master's joy." [Matthew 25:23]
In lieu of flowers memorial donations are requested for one of Wayne's newest interests and passions for service: "Vanguard Landing: Where exceptional people live extraordinary lives". VGL is a private, 501(c)3 non-profit, self-sustaining residential community for adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. Please visit their website: www.vanguardlanding.org to offer your tax deductible donation from the website by hitting the Donate button next to our Logo or offer your checks or money orders to: Vanguard Landing, Inc. ATTENTION: Debra B. Dear, 2133 Upton Drive, Suite 125, Box 272 Virginia Beach, Virginia 23454.
A celebration of Wayne's life and legacy will be held on Friday, December 29, 2012 at 7 pm at Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake with Reverend Stephen Powell from St. Brides Episcopal Church, officiating. A reception to be announced will follow the service. He will be laid to rest Monday, December 31, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Rosewood Memorial Park, Virginia Beach. Please visit his book of memories at www.grahamfuneralhome.com to view the service if unable to attend and to leave a note to the family.