Deacon Richard Irvin, Sr.

Deacon Richard Irvin, Sr. was born April 16, 1928, in Clyattville, GA, to the late Estella M. Smith Irvin and the late Collie Irvin.

Deacon Irvin was a man of excellence: a husband we could learn from, a father we could respect, and a man of God worthy of honor. As described by his family, Deacon Irvin was a man who loved deeply and worked hard to provide for them. He was an entrepreneur and owner of Irvin and Sons Painting. His reputation for excellence, quality and integrity in his work was known throughout the community. He showed himself friendly and left a life-lasting impression through his love for people, his humor and talking about the good old “hay days”.

When not working or spending time with his family, he could be found enjoying gardening, listening to either gospel or blues and watching WWF wrestling.

On Saturday, September 28, the Lord declared, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant...enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a daughter: Cheryl D. Bivins; one sister: Grace Hunter; three brothers: Willard Irvin and Alexander Jack Irvin; Leonard Irvin, Sr., three sons-in-law: Winston Bivins, L.C. Chandler, Oscar Williams; two sisters-in-law: Veanna Irvin, Henrietta Irvin; and his grandparents: Patience Peyton Irvin, Richard Irvin, Maggie Smith and Walter Smith.

Deacon Richard Irvin, Sr. leaves his legacy of love and faith to his wife: Clara E. Irvin; his six children: Richard Irvin, Jr. (Vickie), Rufus E. Irvin (Kimberly), Carolyn E. Brailsford (Bishop Ronnie E. Brailsford, Sr.), Martin C. Irvin, Emma L. Moten (Hardy) and Anthony Irvin, Sr. (Carolyn); one special stepson: Paul Thomas (Darlene); six sisters: Marjorie Chandler, Juanita Irvin, Almarine James (Charlie), Mae Ruth Williams, Willa Matchett (Lee) and Carrie Smith (Rodney); one brother: Mitchell Irvin (Marge); one brother-in-law: Eddie Roy Hunter; one sister-in-law: Gwen Irvin; eighteen grandchildren; thirty three great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and a host of extended family, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The Celebration of Life for the late Deacon Richard Irvin, Sr. will be Saturday, October 5, 2019, 3:00 p.m., Greater Pleasant Temple Baptist Church, 309 Cherry St. Valdosta, GA.

Bishop Ronnie Elijah Brailsford, Sr., 20th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, will officiate. Bernard Robinson is the pastor.

Interment, Pallbearers Cemetery, Valdosta, GA.

Public viewing, Friday, October 4 2019, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Godfrey Funeral Home.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.godfreyfuneralhome.net.

Personal and professional services provided by Godfrey Funeral Home, LLC.