Irvin Howard Dingus (Irv) was born May 5, 1933 to Samuel Dingus and Amanda Morefield Dingus in Appalachia, Virginia. He died peacefully on February 4th, 2024 in his home surrounded by family and friends. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle who was a pillar of strength, integrity, and patriotism in his community.
He was predeceased by his brothers David, Earl, Charles(Jo Ann), and Bill(Lisa) and his sisters Elizabeth(Talby) and Betty, his nephews Eddie Wayne, Randy, West, Denny, and his niece Patti. He is survived by his wife Louise, his daughters Sheilla Dingus and Wendi (Gary) Orenstein, and his sons: Rick, Bill, Clinton (Joanne) and Andrew (Allison) Bouchillon. Especially dear to him are his beloved grandchildren – Lindsey and Bo Bouchillon, Leanna Trimmer, Kadie, Brad, and Adam Orenstein, Kate, Ward, Ian, and Alden Bouchillon, great grandchildren Dillon and Lily, and Godchildren, Brook Jr. and Charlie and their parents Keisha and Brook Gholston. His memory is cherished by his many nephews and nieces – Gail, Sam(Michelle), Sabrina, Trista, Lora, Jerry(Linda), Shannon, Sheila Ann, Connie, Carrie, Dawneen, Charlie, Randy, Ryan, Scott and Laura, and special friend Hilton Holland.
Growing up in Bloomingdale, Tennessee, Irv graduated from Blountville High School in 1951. Following high school, he enlisted in United States Air Force in 1951, dedicated 20 years of his life serving around the world, and retired in 1971 with distinguished honors. After retiring from the Air Force, Irv earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Steed College in Johnson City, Tennessee. As a member of the First Baptist Church family in Kingsport, Tennessee, he served as Business Administrator/Facilities Manager for 19 years. He especially loved the people of First Baptist and treasured the time he served there. Irv was an active member of the American Legion more than 50 years. He particularly valued his service in the Honor Guard. His commitment to Post 15 in Decatur, Alabama brought him much joy and many happy times.
Irv played basketball, volleyball, and softball for numerous military base teams while serving in the Air Force, traveling to many bases in and out of the country. He also enjoyed playing on recreational and church league teams in Kingsport, TN. As a result of his passion, skill, and enjoyment of sports, he continued to promote sportsmanship while coaching children, youth, and adult recreational teams, and he organized ball teams and leagues too numerous to list.
The family will gather to celebrate Irv’s life in the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee at a later date. Irvin Howard Dingus will be remembered not only for his remarkable military career, dedication to his family and community, and love for sports and the Tennessee Vols, but most importantly for the enduring impact he had on the lives of those who knew him.
Family was assisted by:
Peck Funeral Home
