Save the date: Happy Irby street dedication Published Oct. 16, 2009 By Sonic Johnson 14th Flying training Wing Chief of Public Affairs COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss -- Columbus Air Force Base officials in coordination with the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors and the Mississippi Legislature have set aside March 26, 2010, to rename Mississippi Highway 786 to George "Happy" Irby Memorial Parkway. Highway 786, also known as Main Gate road, provides access from U.S. Highway 45 and the Columbus Air Force Base main gate. A 51 year employee of Columbus AFB, George "Happy" Irby, Sr., passed away March 27 this year, on his 94th birthday. The street naming date was set to continue to commemorate his birthday. With March 27 falling on a Saturday next year, Friday, March 26 was selected for the dedication. Following the mid-morning dedication, the Annual Happy Irby Golf tournament will be hosted at Whispering Pines Golf Course. Proceeds from the tournament go to the Happy Irby Christmas Fund. The Happy Irby Christmas Fund is a thriving private organization that has benefited thousands of adults and children alike. Last year, the fund was able to provide clothing and supplies to over 400 children in the local schools and community. In addition, the Happy Fund has delivered over 150 fruit baskets to shut-ins and elderly who would otherwise be alone. In 1996, the Happy Fund became part of the Combined Federal Campaign with 100% of donations used to provide gifts.