He was born to the late Guy and Guyona Irby on June 21st, 1927 in Memphis, Tennessee. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Ann Rice Irby; brother, Chesley Irby; and his sister, Cristola Patterson.
Bill was born in Memphis, TN and was a graduate of Messick High School. He was a World War II veteran serving in the United States Navy as a Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class. He then graduated in 1950 from Memphis State University where he was a charter member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity.
He started his career in pharmaceutical sales with Ellis Bagwell Drug Company and later moved into Real Estate Sales. During his near 50-year career in real estate, he owned Irby and Associates and finished his career with Crye-Leike Realty.
During his time in real estate, he was a Lifetime Member of the Memphis Area Association of Realtors (MAAR) and a lifetime member of the Multi-Million Dollar Sales Club since 1979. As a member of MAAR he served as both vice chair and chairperson of the Membership Committee, Treasurer, and on the Board of Directors.
He was active in his community including serving as a Germantown Precinct Officer for Shelby County Election Commission during the 1970’s and 1980’s.
He, along with his wife Ann and young family at the time, joined Woodland Presbyterian Church serving as an elder for the church. He went on to serve as the Chairman of the Board for Woodland Presbyterian School from 1973 to 1990. Under his leadership, the school moved into the mainstream of Memphis private schools.
He was an active member at Independent Presbyterian Church, never missing Wednesday night fellowship and dinner.
Bill enjoyed dancing, the beach and his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was devoted to his family and friends. He was humble and full of grace, always helping and serving others. He was a man of faith as demonstrated by the way he lived his life. May he rest in peace.
Bill is survived by his children, Debbie Dafferner (Russell), Susan McConnell, Bill Irby, Jr. (Connie), Deanne Wade (Maury, III); grandchildren, Andrew Dafferner (Kim), Emily Dafferner, Patrick Gordon-Dafferner (Craig), Matthew McConnell (Dustin), Chris McConnell (Christina), Will Irby, III (Gina), Gracie Johnson (Kenny), Mary Catherine Wade; great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Samuel, Sydney Dafferner; Niklaus Gordon-Dafferner; Ellie and Collins Johnson, and Charlotte Irby.
Memorials may be made to Independent Presbyterian Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to the donor’s choice.
Family will receive friends from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Tuesday, July 5th at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN. A memorial service will be at 12:00pm on Wednesday, July 6th at Independent Presbyterian Church, 4738 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the Irby family.
