Ray Irby

Ray D. Irby, Captain USAR, Ret. age 98 of Gulfport, passed away Sunday, December 4, 2022.

Mr. Irby was born in Meridian, MS on November 9, 1924. He was the son of Thomas C. and Hettie Irby.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and four brothers, Harvey, Vernon, Charles and William Irby; and 2 sisters, Olivia Ijams of Memphis, TN and Joyce Smith of Bradenton, FL.

Ray is survived by his sons, Ray Irby, Jr. (Barbara), Thomas C. Irby (Molly), and Matthew H. Irby, 7 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.

He attended Meridian High School, Meridian Jr. College, and MS State University.

A retired Captain, USAR, he served in World War II with the 7th Regiment of the 1st Cavalry Division in New Guinea, Admiralty Islands, Leyte-Samar, Luzon, Manila, and Japan. He was recalled to active duty during the Korean War.

After his tour of service, he was a representative for National Advertising Co. (3M), Waukesha, WI and retired from Sears with 28 years of service. Ray was a member of the MS Coast Retired Officer Association and the National MOAA. He was a member of SCORE, Service Corps of Retired Executives.

A reception will be held 4-6pm, Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family.