Willard E. Irvin

1925 - 2025

Willard E. Irvin, 99, of Cornelia, Georgia passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025.
Mr. Irvin was born on November 22, 1925, in White County, Georgia, to the late E.T. Irvin and Bond Potts Irvin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Harold Irvin, Marvin Irvin, and Dood (Tarris) Irvin; sisters, Nell Dalton, Dot Banks; grandson, Cody Gowder; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Willard served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1945. He also assisted with the family business of a cotton gin and saw milling in White County, Georgia. Later, he lived in Cornelia where he had several different occupations including owner and operator of a service station as well as trailer parks. He also was owner of a mobile home parts and supplies store as well as a mobile home salesman. Willard had a passion for making whatever he needed, rather than going out and buying it. He had a great enjoyment of being outside and working on machinery, which included loaders, tractors, and other equipment, which he used in his business. He loved selling and loading dirt, which he over the years eliminated a huge dirt hill, and was able to see it leveled to the ground. Willard also loved to attend auctions and sales at Nails Creek and other places. He would always come back with items that he had bid on, some good and some not so good.
Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Gail Irvin, of Homer; daughter and son-in-law, Janice and James Norton, of Hull; brother, Raymond Irvin; sisters, Barbara King and Bondell Cathey; grandchildren, Kim Tanner, Tammie Gowder, Blake Norton, and Kyle Norton and Jessica; great-grandchildren, Drew Tanner, Ashley Mitchell and Jeff, Macy Norton, Amarah Williams; great-great-grandchildren, Caleb Mitchell, and Evelyn Mitchell; two fur baby cats, Kitty Cat and Sally; as well as two special neighbors, Ben and Kathie, that were always there and helped in so many ways. During Willard's illness, he had many great caretakers that he thought a lot of.
Graveside services will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Chattahoochee Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from noon to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, October 18, 2025c at the Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, prior to the service.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes and Crematory, South Chapel.