Irby Blakley Jr., 86, of Indianola, passed away Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, at South Sunflower County Hospital, with his loving family by his side.
Irby was born July 27, 1936, in Montgomery County, to Irby and Blanche Jones Blakley. He was a United States Air Force veteran. Irby was a member of Clark Lyon VFW Post 4731 in Indianola. He enjoyed visiting with all his friends at the VFW. Irby was a very sweet and loving man. He would give someone the shirt off his back if they needed it. Irby was a very attentive caregiver for his wife during her 10-year illness. He enjoyed fishing, Mississippi State football, watching television, especially his favorite show “Sex and the City,” and cooking. Irby loved cooking catfish, and he was always quick to share a tall tale. He was a member of Eastwood Baptist Church. Irby owned Blakley Painting and was a professional painter for many years.
Irby was preceded in death by his parents, Irby and Blanche Blakley; wife, Faye Rivers Blakley; six siblings; and great grandson, Will Guest.
He is survived by two daughters, Leanne Davis (Wayne) of Indianola and Lydia Blakley of Greenwood; three sisters, Paulette Ellis (Bo) of Blackhawk, Linda Goss (Gene) of Grenada, and Nancy Clanton of Slidell, La.; three grandchildren, Mandy Guest (Bo), Jessica Busick (Jared), and Zachary Davis; and six great grandchildren.
Visitation was held Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, from 1 p.m. until 1:45 p.m., at Burton Funeral Home in Indianola. Graveside funeral services followed at 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, in Indianola City Cemetery. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola was entrusted with arrangements.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or First United Methodist Church Daycare, PO Box 86, Indianola, MS 38751.
