William "Bill" Oscar Irwin, Age 84, of Maryville, passed away Thursday, August 3, 2023, at home with the love of his life, wife of 50 years, Gissell "Jody" and children by his side. Mr. Irwin, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend was the son of the late Oscar and Rena (Heaton) Irwin. He was also preceded in death by the mother of four of his children, Maxine (Dilbeck) Eisenhower; brothers, Andrew Dexter (Irma) Irwin, Doyle Lynn Irwin and sister Wilma Dean and husband Pat Reed, brother-in-law Ralph Lee, nephews Jeff Lee, Sid Lee and Jason Irwin. Mr. Irwin's passing concludes a full life that touched many friends and family with an abundance of terrific memories. People were naturally drawn to him. He was personable, smart, and handsome; heads turned when he walked into a room and lit up a corner.

A disabled veteran in 1957, he served as a gunner's mate in the US Navy on the USS Des Moines (CA-134), the lead ship of the class of heavy cruisers. She was the first ship in the US Navy to feature the auto loading Mark 16.8 inch/55 caliber gun, the first of its type in the world. Mr. Irwin soon after, went to work for Indiana's La Salle Steel Company. He came home to Tennessee in the 1970's as a driver for the "Big R" (Roadway) and received honors for accident-free driving. Lastly, he retired from TVA at Watts Bar Nuclear Plant.

Mr. Irwin, in addition to being an expert marksman, he also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening. He had a guaranteed robust garden every year. Alongside his garden, he kept tall martin poles topped with gourd birdhouses for his Purple Marlin birds. The Daily Times published and article about them. He also enjoyed watching his children play all sports and enjoyed watching sporting events especially football and Nascar.

Survivors include wife, Gissell "Jody" (Hurst) Irwin; children, Ronnie (Denise) Irwin, Charles Irwin, Tammie (Ron) Utley, Richard Irwin and Brian (Kelly) Irwin of Johnson City, Tennessee. Survived by grandchildren; Kristen (Devin) White, Jonathan (Kristina) Burns, Tabatha Burns, Brooke Irwin and Gabriel Irwin; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sister, Joyce (Ralph) Lee, several beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent on Bill's behalf for expenses.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday August 7th in the Magnolia Chapel at Miller Funeral Home. Graveside service will be at 1:00 pm on August 8th at Four Mile Cemetery Preacher Ronnie Hepperly officiating.