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1969 Michael 2018

Michael Irby

August 5, 1969 — November 1, 2018

Stapleton, GA

Michael Scott Irby

Stapleton, GA  –         After a long, hard-fought battle with a brain tumor, Michael Scott Irby, 49, loving husband of Stephanie Leigh Daniels Irby, entered into his eternal rest late Thursday night, November 1, 2018 at Emory Midtown Hospital in Atlanta. Funeral services to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday afternoon, November 5, 2018 in the James Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Joshua Mosley officiating.  Interment will follow in the Stapleton Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

One of four children born to Linda Pennington Irby Bailey (Paul) and the late James “Vernon” Irby, Mike was a lifelong resident of Stapleton. A 1987 graduate of Thomas Jefferson Academy, he was very athletic and excelled as a baseball player. He then played college baseball at Gordon College and Augusta College. After college, Mike worked in the banking industry for First State Bank in Wrens and First Citizens in Thomson before his career in safety and human resources. He loved his Lord and Savior and was a member of Wrens Baptist Church. As the #1 Georgia Bulldog fan, he supported all competitive sports—tennis, gymnastics, basketball, baseball, football—Mike was into anything and everything to do with the DAWGs. His other passion was coaching youth baseball with Wrens Dixie Youth.  He also enjoyed spending time with his family at their lake house at Lake Sinclair.  Described as a big man with a big heart, he had a quick smile for everyone. People gravitated to his out-going, good-hearted and giving spirit. Mike was gregarious and loved people—he loved not only talking with people but also developing relationships with them. Mike felt that it was important to be not only committed to family and friends, but also to be involved in their lives. He was about “others” and always put his family, friends and even strangers before himself—he was selfless to a fault. Above all else, he loved his family with a love so deep and comprehensive that it enveloped all of his being.  His grandson stole his heart and brought him great joy.  Mike will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community—he is now in the land of “no more tears and no more pain” with a new, whole body.  Rest in peace, Mike.

Other survivors include his children, Kaitlyn Irby Douglas (Jackson), Locklin Michael Irby and Harley Daniels Irby; three siblings, Jeff Irby (Teresa), Jason Irby (Stefanie) and Julie Irby; two grandsons, Braxton Wiley Douglas and Baby Boy Irby; nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Pallbearers will be Danny Beckworth, Mark Daniels, Robert Hoffman, Charlie Rathbun, Robby Rooks, Brian Usry, Fernando Velasco and Karl Waldhauer. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be coaches and players of Wrens Dixie Youth Baseball.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Sunday evening, November 4, 2018.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to Wrens Dixie Youth Baseball, P.O. Box 326, Wrens GA 30833.

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Not, How Did He Die, But How Did He Live?

Not how did he die, but how did he live?
Not what did he gain, but what did he give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
Not, what was his church, nor what was his creed?
But had he befriended those really in need?
Was he ever ready with word of good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say,
But how many were sorry when he passed away.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Michael Irby, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Sunday, November 4, 2018

5:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)

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Funeral Service

Monday, November 5, 2018

Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)

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