William Thomas Irwin

Reverend William (Bro. Bill) Irwin 87, of Hermitage, Tenn., passed away quietly in his home surrounded by his loving family on November 25, 2013. He was born in Myrtle, MS on October 9, 1926. His beloved wife, Vivian to whom he was married for 63 years, survives him. They were married on March 19, 1950. Bill is survived by his two children; Sandi (Mickey) Oros of Carmichael, CA and their daughter Ashley of Nashville, TN, Kathy Irwin of Hermitage, TN and her daughter, Erica (Jason) Bockman and their children Alexis and Jessica of Mount Juliet, TN. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry & Ella Irwin, sisters Gladys Brock and Linda Irwin. He is survived by his sisters, Wanda Rhodes of Lake Center, MS and Faye (Ernest) Brewer of Olive Branch, MS. He will also be remembered as a very special uncle to his many nieces and nephews.

Bro. Bill was ordained as a minister in September 1948 and served in the ministry for over 65 years. While serving his country in the Korean war, he led the GI Gospel Hour and Youth For Christ in Osaka, Japan from 1952-1954. Bill was a lifelong member of the Southern Baptist Convention and has pastored in Illinois, Arkansas, Mississippi and Colorado. He was also a Doctor of Theology, and obtained his PhD in May 1971. He was a member of Temple Baptist Church in Nashville, TN. Bill enjoyed reading, gardening, but most of all he loved preaching the word of God. Bill will be most remembered for his continued passion for the Lord and his unconditional love for his children.

Visitation will be from 1-3pm on Saturday, November 30, 2013 with Celebration of Life Service at 3pm officiated by his great nephew the Reverend Byron Tate. Memorial contributions can be made in Reverend Irwin’s memory to American Cancer Society

Hermitage Funeral Home 615-889-0361