Jackie Ray Irvin, 72, of Fort Smith, went to be with his Lord & Savior on February 9, 2024. He was born October 31, 1951 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Jackie worked at Baldor Electric for over 45 years and was a faithful member of Massard Missionary Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School for over 25 years. Jackie served in the Army and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. It was there that he met his beautiful bride, Keiko. In October of 2023, they celebrated 50 wonderful years of matrimony.
Jackie enjoyed deer hunting, scouting the woods for signs of deer, and simply spending time in the great outdoors. He also enjoyed making and collecting knives, trips to the gun range, oil painting nature scenes and most of all, spending time with his family and friends. After retirement, Jackie’s caring nature was evident in the time he spent checking on friends and family near and far. He will be remembered by his acts of kindness, genuine good nature, quick wit, and his ability to talk endlessly about guns and knives.
Jackie was preceded in death by his parents Wayne and Edna Asher Irvin of Fort Smith, brother Stan Irvin of Grove, Oklahoma and sister Mary Moore of Fort Smith. He is survived by his loving wife, Keiko Irvin; his two daughters, Lea Kay Woods of Fort Smith, Jacklynn Nana Jones and husband Jessie Jones of Ozark; brother, Jeral and Terry Irvin of Huntington; four grandchildren, Alexis Woods, Jackson Owens, Akira Fry, and Seren Jones, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends. Pallbearers will be Jackson Owens, Jessie Jones, Richard Irvin, Erin Irvin, Rodney Belt, Dewey Dunham. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jeral Irvin, Tommy Jordan, and Andy Smith.
Visitation will be Tuesday February 13, 2024, from 5 – 7 PM at Edwards Funeral Home.
Funeral Service will be 10:00 AM Wednesday in Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Fort Smith National Cemetery.
