Morton, MS
Funeral Home
Ott & Lee Funeral Home
Visitation
November 29, 2025, 10-11:00 AM, Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, 251 Old Highway 43, Brandon, MS
Service
November 29, 2025, 11:00 AM, Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, 251 Old Highway 43, Brandon, MS
Obituary
Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary:
Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten”.
In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.
Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on November 26, 2025, and has moved on to his heavenly home. Retired Sergeant First Class Tommy C. Irby, age 84, who had served in the 4th Battalion, 114th Field Artillery Regiment has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord.
It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country. A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.
Rest in Peace Soldier. We applaud your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright, and live so free.
You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.
Another great Soldier has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life”.
Obituary, Visitation, and Service Details:
Tommy C. Irby, a devoted Christian, dedicated self-employed farmer and proud member of the Scott and Rankin County communities, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025, in Jackson, MS at the age of 84. Born on June 19, 1941, in Rankin County, Tommy lived a life defined by hard work, family devotion, and a love for His Lord and the outdoors.
Tommy was an industrious individual who not only cultivated the land with his own hands but also instilled values of perseverance and resilience in his family. He was a proud veteran, having served his country honorably with The Mississippi National Guard, which exemplified his strong sense of duty and commitment to his community and nation.
In addition to his dedication to farming, Tommy found joy in the great outdoors, embracing the serenity and beauty of nature through fishing and hunting, hobbies that brought him both relaxation and fulfillment.
Familial ties were the cornerstone of Tommy’s life. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jean Lomax Irby, who was a source of unwavering support and companionship throughout their life together. He cherished his children, Tommi Odom and her husband, Guy, and Ty Irby and his wife, Ashlea, as well as Trent Irby and his wife, Meg. Tommy took immense pride in being a father and revelled in his role as a grandfather to seven grandchildren: Sy Odom, Ely Odom, Taylor Irby, Rylea Irby, Jon Irby, Millie Caroline Irby, and Mary Charlotte Irby. He also leaves behind his sister, Lydia Johnson, and her husband, Lonnie, along with many nieces and nephews.
Tommy was predeceased by his parents, Talmadge and Ruby Irby, and his brother and sister-in-law, Colebert and Betty Irby. Their memories lived on in the stories he shared and the values he imparted to his family.
Visitation will be held on November 29, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, located at 251 Old Highway 43, Brandon, MS. A funeral service will follow from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM, with burial to take place at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Cemetery, commencing at 11:45 AM.
Tommy C. Irby will be remembered not just for his contributions as a farmer and soldier, but for the love and legacy he leaves behind in the hearts of his family and friends. His pioneering spirit, commitment to his family, and love for agriculture and the outdoors will remain a lasting influence on those who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Mississippi Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture (Scholarship) at 6311 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211, in honor of a cause deeply meaningful to the Irby family.