It was as if Columbus royalty had passed away.
Hundreds gathered at Missionary Union Baptist Church to celebrate the life and mourn the death of George “Happy” Irby.
The turnout was so large, in fact, the large sanctuary of the church could not accommodate them all and many had to watch the funeral via closed circuit camera in an adjoining building.
“Lord, look at the diversity here today,” said the Rev. Tommy Prude during a prayer. “Look at the love and respect we have for our dear brother Happy. We thank you for his love and compassion, and his ability to transcend race and bigotry.”
Members of the community of all stripes stood at the podium and expressed their love and gratitude for the work done by Irby.
“Happy was more than a name, it was a way of life,” said the Rev. Tony Montgomery who officiated the service. “Instead of seeking riches he chose to make a good name by being himself. He spent his life making other people happy.”
For 50 years Irby worked as activity coordinator at the Columbus Air Force Base”s Officer”s Club. It was there he began a philanthropical effort which would snowball into what is today known as the Happy Christmas Fund. The fund provides gifts to needy children and fruit baskets for the elderly during the Christmas season. In 2005 the fund paid for more than 400 Christmas gifts.
“Happy didn”t decide who his friends would be based on the color of their skin,” said retired four-star Air Force Gen. Robert “Doc” Foglesong. “He decided whether he was your friend based on your character. He sized you up very quickly and determined whether you were likely to provide service and work for others, and if you did he was your friend for life. It was that simple.”
After the funeral, Irby”s family was bombarded by friends and colleagues who wanted to share stories and express the deep appreciation they have for Irby and everything for which he stood.
“I think it was beautiful,” Irby”s son George Irby said of the service and the love expressed by the community. “I think he was remembered in the way he lived.”
Irby died Friday morning at 7 at Baptist Memorial Hospital -Golden Triangle on his birthday. He was 94 years old.
The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Happy Christmas Fund.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.