John Edward Irwin

Irwin, John (Johnny) Edward, age 89, of Knoxville, joined his Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 15, 2013. He was a loving and wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, having led Bible Studies, and believed in Prayer and Healing. He was born May 19, 1923, in New Tazewell, to the late Major Carl Irwin and the late Lela Christine Irwin Coble. John served in the United States Air Force. He worked many years for Sears in Knoxville and lived and worked in Myrtle Beach, SC for over 20 years. He came back to Knoxville and worked for the Knox County Clerk’s Office until he retired in 2011. John was preceded in death by grandfather (Pap), John Edward Bell Irwin, grandmother (Mamie), Vernesta Jennings Irwin, step-dad Fred Coble, sister Margaret Ann Nelson, brother Boyd Irwin, daughter Evelyn Christine Banister, grandson Alex Banister, and granddaughter Heather Fine. Survivors include wife Jeanetta (Jeanie) Welch Irwin, son Richard (Sheila) Irwin of Birmingham, AL, and daughter Donna Fine of Knoxville, brother Paul (Martha) Irwin of New Mexico. Their girls Chris (Bobby) Marlowe of Myrtle Beach, SC, Connie (Randy) Watkins of Greenville, SC, and Gail Prince of Knoxville, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and numerous other family and friends. Pallbearers will be Steve Irwin, Ronnie Irwin, Mike Welch, Jeff Welch, Clyde Welch, and Lee Brown. Honorary pallbearer will be Emerson Mynatt. Family and friends will meet 1:30 PM Monday at Mynatt Funeral Home Fountain City Chapel to proceed to Lynnhurst Cemetery for graveside services at 2:00 PM with Dr. David Crutchley officiating. Family will receive friends 6-8 PM Sunday at Mynatt Funeral Home Fountain City Chapel.