The birth of Johnnie James Irving, Jr. was a blessing to his parents, Johnnie James Irving, Sr. and Lomanda Miller Irving who preceded him in death. His only sister, Travis Louise, also preceded him in death. We can imagine them all together again.
On June 8, 2023 before sunrise in the quietness of darkness Johnnie peacefully made his transition with his wife at his bedside.
He was a member of Ebenezer 3rd Baptist Church. His health condition hindered him from attending in later years.
The life journey of Johnnie was productive, not always easy but whatever task he had or job he did, he took pride in doing it and always reaped a reward in some manner.
He began his career as a child on a farm and from there, he and his dad built a house in the city where someone occupied it until Baylor bought it for the college in Waco. There he worked as a plumber. Johnnie was most proud of his job with young students in a training program where he worked with them in 5 counties as part of the Heart of Texas Council of Government and the Texas Workforce Commission.
He was joyful and enjoyed being with friends and family. Some of the favorite things he liked doing was playing dominoes, putting puzzles together before framing them and giving them away. He also had a well-kept yard and passed it on to his son. He graduated from Moore High School and attended Paul Quinn College.
God blessed Johnnie and his wife, Opal, with 55 years of marriage. He is survived by his wife, Opal; his daughter, Sheryl Irving Turner; his son, Johnnie Ryan Irving; his niece, Carolyn (Lorenzo); nephew, Curtis Abercrombie; 4 granddaughters; and 5 great grandchildren. He dearly loved them all.
Visitation for friends and family will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at
Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home in Austin, Texas. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 16, 2023 at Ebenezer 3rd Baptist Church, 1010 E. 10th Street, Austin, Texas 78702. Johnnie will be laid to rest at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.
