Mr. Irwin

Mr. Jerry Franklin Irwin, age 77, of Ozark, Ala., f ormerly of Rockmart, passed away Thursday morning, June 1, 2017.

Mr. Irwin was born March 28, 1940 in Cedartown to the late Manco and Pauline Irwin.

He was a graduate of t he Rockmart High School Class of 1958 and attended the University of Georgia on a football scholarship.

He served two consecutive tours of duty in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a gun ship helicopter pilot. Following his military service, he worked as a test pilot with Page Aircraft Maintenance at Fort Rucker.

Mr. Irwin also was the Branch Manager of The Bank of Ozark – Midland City and worked in Iran for Bell Helicopter as a TH-55 instructor for eighteen months.

When he returned to Ozark, he worked at Fort Rucker as an instructor pilot. He later finished his career as a flight commander.

Mr. Irwin was a member and past President of the Professional Helicopter Pilots Association in Daleville. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Ozark.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Lea Ann Irwin Welch.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Ben and Christine Irwin of Dothan, Ala.

A memorial service with military honors for Mr. Irwin was held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 4, 2017, in the First United Methodist Church of Ozark with Reverend Meghan Kelley officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the First United Methodist Church of Ozark, 167 East Broad Street, Ozark, Ala. 36360.

Holman Funeral Home of Ozark, Ala., was in charge of the memorial services for Mr. Jerry Franklin Irwin.

This announcement is made on behalf of the family by Freeman Harris Funeral Home.

Please visit www.freemanharrisfunerals.com to extend personal condolences to the family by signing the online guestbook.

Freeman Harris Funeral Home was in charge of the funeral graveside service for Mr. Jerry Edward Lane.