George Sims Irving Jr.

George, lovingly known as Butch, was born the 30th of December, 1953 in Camden, New Jersey to the late Frankie and George Irving Sr. He was the seventh born of his ten siblings. After graduating from Camden High School at the tender age of eighteen, George relocated to Washington, DC. He developed an intense passion for the trade of welding which spurred his three-decade long career at WMATA. George met his lovely wife Joann Harris Irving while visiting his hometown of Camden, New Jersey in 1990. The pair wed November 1998 and raised six beautiful children together; Joylece, Jocelyn, Jacinta, Jamar, Jahan and Jeramiah George. The young and close-knit family settled in Prince George’s County, Maryland in 2001.

George, a craftsman and man of action honed his skills at WMATA and began his very own business “Irving’s Iron Works” in 2002. His time spent at WMATA and growing his business were his life’s passions. The vitality of his spirit and his tireless work ethic is reflected in countless metal fabrications throughout the DC metropolitan area. His air conditioning cages, handrails, and grills were some of his most popular creations. He retired June 1, 2012 after 33 years of service.

George was a patient, generous and mild manner man who loved to cook, garden, fish, and weld. He was a dedicated family man and diehard Philadelphia eagles’ fan. You could always find George in his workshop working on his “side work”, throwing a slab of ribs on the grill or lounging in his favorite recliner watching Nat Geo.

George was preceded in death by his parents Frankie and George Irving Sr. and siblings William Carney, Sondra Horne, Earnest Carney, Robert Carney, and Judith Carney. He is survived by his loving wife Joann Harris Irving, sons; Evron Irving (YuShondra), Jamar Harris, Jahan Harris, and Jeramiah Harris. Daughters; Joylece Harris, Jocelyn Harris, and Jacinta Wallace. Grandchildren; Elijah Lance Irving, Justin Chibuzor Harris and Eden Lauren Irving. Siblings; Reverend Deborah Willard, Ricardo Irving (Barbara), Renee Floyd (Frank), Brian Irving (Tina) and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.