Joey Oliphant Irby

On Friday August 20th, 2021 Joey Oliphant Irby left this world and entered heavens gates where we believe many family and friends who had preceded him eternal life were there to greet and welcome him home.

Joey was born September 10th, 1957 in Waynesboro, Mississippi. He graduated from John F. Shaw High School and went to work for Coca Cola. In 1977 Joey crashed a church youth party and met his future wife, Karen Jean Cochran. Two years later on May 19th, 1979 they were married. On October 31st, 1979 he went to work at Union Carbide, which is now Honeywell, and continued to work until Monday August the 2nd of 2021. Joey and Karen shared a love for many things but most importantly their love for God, each other, their children and grandchildren. Joey had many talents one of which was the most beautiful, melodious singing voice that you have ever heard. He loved singing with a passion, enjoyed the church choir, the quartets, the trios, the duets and the solos anytime he was asked. Joey also sang at numerous funerals, weddings and even sang the national anthem at a local Bay Bears baseball game. Joey enjoyed many past times including golf and fishing but once the grandchildren arrived THAT was his favorite everything.

His smile was contagious. When Joey smiled, one couldn’t help but smile with him. He was compassionate, kind, giving, loving, gentle, a stand up man, someone to be proud of, someone to emulate, someone who inspired you to be better than you thought you could be.

Joey was preceded into eternal life by his beloved father, John Sidney Irby, by two sisters, Sally Ann Irby Phillips and Judith John Irby Allums. He leaves behind his wife Karen Cochran Irby, his children, Joseph Christopher Irby (Tiffany Leigh Irby), Sean Daniel Irby (Phonemany Vorasane Irby), Elizabeth Autumn Hebner (Brandon Lee Hebner), grandchildren, Gabriel Matthew Irby, Bryleigh Alexia Braswell, Bradford Chance Braswell, Jaden Christopher Vorasane-Griffin, Samuel Ellis Hebner and Evie Elizabeth Hebner. Joey is also survived by his beloved mother, Julia Stokely Irby, siblings Johnny Floyd Irby, Leslie Irby Walley, aunts and uncles, numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

Funeral services will be held on August 26th, 2021 at Radney Funeral Home located at 3155 Dauphin Street, Mobile, Alabama. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am with the celebration of his earthly life and eternal homecoming at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow immediately at Valhalla Memorial Funeral Home.