State dedicates road to local humanitarian

  • Published
  • By Sonic Johnson
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The gloomy weather couldn't dampen the spirit of those gathered to pay tribute to a local humanitarian March 26 just outside the Columbus Air Force Base main gate.

Those traveling the road to the Columbus AFB main entrance will now see the prominently posted signs designating the roadway as the George "Happy" Irby Parkway. Nearly 100 family members, friends and former co-workers turned out Friday to witness the unveiling of the new signs.

Mississippi Department of Transportation Northern District Highway Commissioner, Mr. Bill Minor, addressed the hurdles the local and state legislative bodies overcame to make the renaming possible.

Speaking on behalf of the over 30 Irby family members present, George Irby, Director of Federal Programs for the City of Columbus and Happy Irby's eldest son, thanked Columbus AFB leaders, county supervisors and state legislators for their support to make the street designation possible.

"We want everyone to remember my father for his welcoming, giving spirit," reflected Irby.

Col. Roger Watkins, 14th Flying Training Wing commander rounded out the formal speakers at the ceremony and invited Minor and Irby to come forward and unveil the sign. In his comments, Colonel Watkins noted that Happy Irby made all Airmen at Columbus AFB feel welcomed, no matter if they were the newest airmen or a wing commander.

"It is fitting that this sign designating the highway leading to the Columbus AFB main gate, prominently named after Happy Irby, will still be a welcoming beacon to each of our base Airmen and visitors," Colonel Watkins remarked.

George "Happy" Irby was born in Columbus, Miss., March 27, 1915. He was a graduate of Union Academy and was a member of the first minority high school football team in the area. In 1952, Happy and his wife Sara began saving tip money and donations from friends to help underprivileged children stay in school by providing the supplies, clothes, and other basic items that they needed.

In 1958, Happy began working at the Columbus Air Force Base Officer's Club as a "jack-of-all trades" and eventually worked his way up to the position of Customer Relations Specialist. In this position, Happy was able to continue his spirit of hospitality and giving while his incredible efforts blossomed into what became known as the "Happy Fund."

His all-volunteer program averages over $10,000 in donations annually, making the holidays a season of giving and of hope for hundreds of needy community children.

Happy helped lay the foundation of trust and cooperation between the base and the community. He tirelessly worked for over 30 wing commanders in his 51 years of service at Columbus AFB. The "Happy Lounge" located in the Columbus Club was also named in his honor.

"Happy" Irby passed away on his 94th birthday, March 27, 2009.