SFC William “Bill” Irby died surrounded by his family in his home on February 28, 2019 in Lawton, Oklahoma at the age of 61.
Bill is survived by his wife, Jackie of 32 years; Son, Rick Diaz and his wife Rachel and their four children Timothy, Montana, Bailey and Bianca; Daughter Sikiu Cimmino and her husband Joe and their four children Angelina, Giovanni, Sofia and Olivia; Brother, Jim Irby and his wife Susan of Tupelo, Mississippi; Two Nephews, Thomas and Tyler along with many cousins from the Burcham Family. He is preceded in death by his parents James M. Irby and Lenore Burcham Irby Cook of Tupelo, Mississippi.
Bill was born on March 28th, 1957 in Tupelo, Mississippi to James and Lenore Irby. He graduated from Tupelo High School in 1976. Bill joined the United States Army November 29th, 1978 in which he served his country faithfully for almost 22 years. He mentioned that his favorite time of service was when he was in Savana GA, assigned to the 75th Ranger Battalion from May 1979 to January 1983 and then when he was in Fort Kobbe, Panama as a Jungle School Instructor from January 1983 to June 1986. While stationed in Panama he met his bride to be, Jackie Guerra, at Kobbe Beach. They married there in 1986 and moved to Fort Brag. After moving back to the United States, he jumped around the country, wherever the U.S. Army needed him.
Some of Bill’s decorations included the Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award) and Army Achievement Medal (5th Award), Expert Infantry Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Panamanian-Pana Jungle Badge, Panamanian Parachutist Badge along with many others.
A funeral is scheduled for 1pm on Monday, March 11th, 2019 at Lee Memorial Park. Rev. Thomas Irby will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bill’s life. Lee Memorial Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
Honorary Pallbearers; David “Bonehead” Bradley, Chuck “Professor” Redwood, James Maxy, Jason Perryman, Jimmy Burcham and Russell Burcham.
For online condolences and guest registry, visit www.leememorialonline.com.
“Freewill determines our future!”
“Rangers Lead the Way” “SUA SPONTE”
