Irby Eugene Bouknight Jr.

He was born August 29, 1944 in Rowan County to the late Irby E. Bouknight, Sr. and Ozella Gowan Bouknight. In addition to his parents, Irby was also preceded in death by a sister, Peggy Wilkes.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 47 years, Pat Sloop Bouknight; son, Brannon E. Bouknight (Lauren) of Faith; daughter, Channon B. Wilson (Chris) of Salisbury and grandchildren, Ashton Frampton, Avery Frampton, Gavin Bouknight and August Wilson.

He is further survived his sisters, Patsy Beaver and JoAnn Fidler, both of Kannapolis; brothers Donald Bouknight of China Grove and Jackie Bouknight of Rockwell and numerous nieces and nephews.

Irby was an active member of First Reformed Church in Landis before his declining health. After graduating A.L. Brown High School and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, he worked for Cannon Mills before enlisting into the United States Army. He spent 23 months of his military career in Korea. His last employer was NGK Ceramics in Mooresville for 22 years, retiring in 2009.

Irby loved all sports, play on softball teams for Cannon Mills and NGK. After retirement, he started playing golf. Also during his final years, he learned how to do the Carolina Shag dance. He made so many new friends and love his shag family.

Irby was known for his wit and dry humor. He was mostly quiet and a gentle person and loved being outside whether home, beach or mountains.

Family was his most cherished gift. He love holidays and family gatherings. As his health declined, the sight and voice of his grandchildren filled his heart with joy. Without a doubt his favorite activity was supporting his grandchildren, attending their school and sporting events. He overflowed with joy watching them play sports, watching dance recitals and soccer practice.

He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him .

The family would like to that everyone with Landis FD and Rowan County EMS for all the emergency calls that were needed.

The family also would like to thank all the wonderful people at Hospice, who have been there for them over the last 5 years.

Memorial donations may be sent to FRC 210 N. Central Ave, Landis, NC 28088 or to Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus COunty - Home Care 5003 Hospice Lane Kannapolis, NC 28081.

A visitation for Irby will be held Saturday, April 2, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at First Reformed Church, 210 N. Central Ave., Landis, NC, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.linn-honeycutt.com for the Bouknight family.

Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Bouknight family.

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