Joseph (Joe) Clark Irvin, Jr.

Joseph (Joe) Clark Irvin Jr. of Flowery Branch, GA at the age of 90 died Friday, October 7, 2016 due to complications received from a fall.

Joe was born in Thomaston, GA on October 13, 1925 and made it his home until graduating from high school.  He was the oldest son of Joseph Clark and Avis Irvin.  At the young age of 17, Joe enlisted in the Navy and served his country in World War II as a first lieutenant.  Once again when the Korean War was declared, he was called to serve. 

He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Civil Engineering.  After living in several other states, he brought his family to Gainesville, GA in 1955. His engineering degree eventually led him to being the manager of Irvin Concrete Products.  He later worked for Vulcan and had a brief retirement.  He soon returned to work for Fulton Concrete until his retirement at 84.  

Joe was extremely active in the community and his church, Grace Episcopal and later St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church.  He was a member of the American Legion, EAA, AOPA, Rotary Club, and President of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce (1974).  

Life on Lake Lanier for Joe was enjoyable.  He loved swimming, boating, and skiing, but most of all the beautiful sunsets on the lake witnessed on his deck.  His passion was flying and restoring airplanes. The Lakeland Fly In was always a must and people there appreciated the craftsmanship of the Stearman he and Clark, his son built together.   He was one of the “Grand Pappys” who worked on the plane donated to INK.  There was always a project that Joe had going.  It could be as little as fixing a lamp or as big as building his Stearman.  

His parents Joseph and Avis Irvin, Brother Melvin Irvin, his first wife Sue Irvin, their children, Suzanne Porter and Joseph Clark Irvin III preceded Joe in death.  Wife, Carol Irvin, and his daughter, Jennie Duvall and husband, stepdaughters Katherine Kelly and Karol Mason survive him along with his sister-in-law Nita Irvin.  He was the Grandfather of Henry Irvin, Anna Irvin Helmuth, Scott and Joey Porter; and step grandchildren Amanda Lammers, Rus Duvall, Lauren, Patrick, and Katie Kelly and Chance and Sophia Mason; Great grandfather of Harper, Kate, and Hank Irvin, Luke and Jackson Helmuth, and 2 step great grandchildren Chase and Noel Lammers; his lifelong friend Kelly Moore; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, 2920 Landrum Education Drive, Oakwood, GA 30566 on October 11, 2016 at 11:00 am.  Following the service, a reception will be held at the church.

Memorial gifts can be made to Eagle Ranch, 5500 Union Church Rd, Flowery Branch, GA 30542 or www.eagleranch.org.  Online condolences can be made at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com
Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia 30501.  770.297.6200