John Irvin of Huntsville, Alabama died on January 27, 2021 at the age of 90. He was a resident of Regency Retirement Village.
John was born in Monroe County, Mississippi, on October 23, 1930, where he lived until 1946 when his family relocated to Mobile, Alabama. There John met and wed the love of his life, Sarah McGehee in 1956. John and Sarah accepted employment with the Army Missile Command and NASA in July 1960 which necessitated their move to Huntsville, Alabama. They had two sons, Phillip and Scott, who were raised and schooled at Monrovia/Sparkman schools in the Monrovia Community.
John was an active member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church for 58 years, a four year Air Force veteran, a University of Oklahoma graduate, an aircraft pilot and a 35 year government employee. John worked in the Pershing Project Office and in the US Army Missile Command in the Integrated Logistics area. John loved working with cattle and helping Sarah in their antique business, The Rabbit’s Nest, and had a great love for music.
John and Sarah were married for 62 years, and during that time, their love and devotion never faltered. Sarah “lit John’s candle” and he often noted that being with her in heaven for eternity is a thought beyond description.
John is survived by his son, Anthony Phillip Irvin (Holly); and grandchildren, Kelli Welch (Chris) Ravon Irvin, and Preston Irvin. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah McGehee Irvin and his son, Scott Irvin.
The funeral will be at Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Sunday, January 31, 2021, with visitation at 2 p.m. and funeral at 3 p.m., with graveside services following.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church Building Fund, 228 Mt. Zion Road, Huntsville, AL, 35806, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 (stjude.org).
