Mike Irwin's Obituary
Michael (Mike) Arthur Irwin, aged 80, of Memphis, TN, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2024. He leaves a life that was cherished and one that will be sorely missed.
Mike was born on June 8, 1944 in Detroit, MI to George and Ruby Irwin. When Mike and older brother James (Jim) were still young, the family relocated, eventually settling in Forrest City, AR. After graduating from Forrest City High School in 1962, Mike attended pharmacy college before joining the Marine Corp in 1966.
After leaving the military, Mike enrolled at Memphis State University where he met Patricia (Patsy) Sayers. Mike and Patsy were married on February 19, 1972.
Mike received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance in 1974 and his Master of Science in Accountancy in 1975, both from Memphis State University. He became a Certified Public Accountant in 1976, an identity he would carry with him for the remainder of his life.
In 1975 Mike began a career at Holiday Inns, Inc. as an Auditor. He remained with the company until his retirement in 1993 as Executive Vice President of Human Resources.
Most of all, Mike was proud of his family. Not resting in retirement, Mike started Sound Waves with his son John in 1999. 25 years later, Sound Waves is the premier mobile electronics installation store in Memphis. The store is the pride of the family and will be in good hands with John going forward.
Mike was a lifelong Memphis Tiger basketball fan, holding season tickets for over 20 years. He was also an avid reader, fisherman, and would even try his hand at gardening. Mike and Patsy’s travel destinations included Italy, Mexico, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, Costa Rica, Saint Maarten, Jamaica, France, Spain, Switzerland, and Tanzania.
Mike is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patsy; children Laura (and Michael) Dillon and John (and Jessie) Irwin; grandchildren Sadie and Cashlin Dillon, and Cruze Irwin; and brother Jim Irwin, brother-in-law Tommy (and Patsy) Sayers, and beloved sister-in-law Harriett (and Skip) Sprott. Mike also leaves behind many cousins whom he loved dearly.
He is preceded in death by his parents George W. and Ruby Mayo Irwin.
Funeral services will be held Monday December 16, 2024 at 1:00pm in the Riverside Chapel at Memorial Park Funeral Home in Memphis, TN. Visitation will be held beforehand at 12:00pm. Burial will take place at Memphis Memory Gardens following the service.
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