Thomas Irby

Thomas Irby, affectionately known as “Tommy,” was born on August 24, 1941, to Sarah Rumbley Irby and Arthur Frank Irby, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He was educated in Spartanburg County schools and attended Carver High School.

Thomas worked at Spartan Grain Mill, Converse College, The Draper, and later Spartanburg High School, where he retired. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and working on cars. He loved reminiscing about the old days and was known for being talkative. He enjoyed watching westerns and baseball. He was saved and baptized at Macedonia Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death, along with his parents, by his wife, Annie Mae Irby; grandchildren, Toney R. Irby, Jr.  and Tennelle Williams; and siblings, Minnie L. Smoker, Evelyn Shumate, Arthur F. Irby Jr., and Leon Poindexter.

Left to honor his life are his children, Beverly A. Irby of Georgia, Toney R. (Rhonda) Irby, Jr. of Fayetteville, Georgia, David L. (Kathy) Irby of Conway, South Carolina, Sarah E. Irby, Cynthia D. Irby, James T. (Wanda) Irby, and Nadine M. Irby, all of Spartanburg, South Carolina; siblings, James Irby of Gastonia, North Carolina, Jennie (Walter) Fields of Salisbury, Pennsylvania, Marshall (Rosena) Irby of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Alice McBride of Sandston, Virginia; grandchildren, Antrown Irby, Touré Irby, Kadraus Irby, Akita Irby, Kenneka Littlejohn, Malcolm Irby, Candace Irby, Trevor Irby, Thomas Irby, Kenneth Littlejohn, and Toneysha Irby; goddaughter, Peggy Jarmon; special friend, Mary Hamilton and her three sons; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Thomas transitioned at his home. He will be sorely missed by all who loved and knew him.