Wilford E. "Buddy" Irby

W. E. “Buddy” Irby passed away peacefully at home in Old River-Winfree on July 3rd following a 22 year battle with cancer. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Wilford Henry Irby and Helen Maudine Monds Irby. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Avis Trchalek Irby, son Tony Irby, daughter Teri (Tyler) Irby Thames, daughter Cheryl (David) Snell, son Robert “Bubba” (Gina) Harp, sister Dorothy Lanay Irby Davis, sister Linda (Lee Ray) Irby Kaderli, grandchildren: Ian (Brittney) Irby, Haley Irby, Christian (Shelby) Thames, Zac (Marlei) Thames, Chad Daniels, Matt Daniels, Jacob Harp, and great-grandchildren: Caden Rainey, Rylan Irby, Emersyn Daniels, and Talyn Daniels.

Buddy was born on July 18, 1940 in Cedar Bayou and was a lifelong resident of West Chambers County.  He graduated from Barbers Hill High School and San Jacinto College.  He retired from Bayer Corporation as Director of Health, Environment, and Safety after 30 years of service and from Chambers County as Commissioner of Precinct 3 after nine years of service.   He served in many key positions and boards during his career including, the Texas A&M Industrial Fireman’s Training School, Texas Chemical Council, and the Chemical Manufacturing Association.  Buddy was always active in his community. He served as a volunteer for the Barbers Hill Volunteer Fire Department, was a co-founder of the Barbers Hill Optimist football organization, served as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Barbers Hill Independent School District, and was a member of the Board of Directors for San Jacinto Methodist Hospital.  He was named the Person of the Year by the West Chambers County Chamber of Commerce in 2006.  Buddy’s true passion was spending time with his grandchildren which often included fishing and hunting.

A celebration of Buddy’s life will take place on what would have been his 79th birthday, Thursday, July 18, 2019 at Old River Baptist Church, 12948 FM 1409, Dayton, Texas, 77535. Visitation will take place from 4:30 - 6:45 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 7:00 p.m.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wilford E. "Buddy" Irby, please visit our floral store.