Gregory L. Irby

Gregory Lee Irby was born August 26, 1960 to Betty J. Irby Mills and Alphonso Hutchison in Asheville, NC. He departed this life on Friday April 24, 2020 at his home.

Gregory aka “Greg,” graduated in 1978 from Asheville High School. He later attended Winston Salem State University and graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

He was married  to the love of his life Elmerette Jones Irby for more than 32 years, who was his caregiver until his final breath. They loved travelling and taking cruises together. Greg was the god father of Sheridan Watkins of Winston- Salem and Devon Jones of Asheville, and his dogs Leo and Lexington filled his days with joy. He worked as a team leader and business analyst at American Express in Greensboro for more than 20 years.

Greg was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church and faithfully served on the Deacon's Ministry, Men's Ministry, Male Chorus, and was the assistant church treasurer. A dedicated and cheerful servant of God, he was well respected at his church and in the communities of both Asheville and Winston Salem.

Those who knew and loved Greg respected him as a natural born leader, who loved playing golf and baseball with family and friends, and was very articulate and concerned for the welfare of others. His favorite scripture was Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”

Greg was preceded in death by his mother Betty J. Irby Mills, grandmothers Jessie B. Irby and Ophelia Hutchison, grandfathers Bryce Irby, Sr. and Charles E Hutchison, brother Aaron Irby,  and two of his dearest friends Donald "Duck" McNeill and Harold "Papoose" Jones.

He is survived by his wife Elmerette, sister Alice Marie Hutchison-Cambridge, brothers Aldon Roland, Brad Hutchison, Brandon Crite, Darryl Stalling, Vincent Logan, Maceo Boston and Shawn Smith, 2 aunts and 2 uncles, a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be a private service held for Greg in Winston Salem Friday morning, then he will be brought to Asheville. Viewing will be Friday from 5pm - 7pm, and Saturday from 10am - 12pm here at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest during a private family service.

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