Obituary of Ronnie Lynn Irwin

Ronnie Lynn Irwin passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Friday, July 24th in Dallas, Texas at the age of 70 years old. Ronnie is survived by his wife of 48 years, Beth Irwin of Dallas; children, Meredith Liner and her husband Kyle of Dallas, Jeffrey Irwin and his wife Natalie of Dallas; beloved grandchildren, Caden and Reese Liner; siblings, Garland Irwin and his wife Jeanne, and Elaine Hale and her husband Mark, both of Henderson, Texas. He is also survived by his much-loved dog Cody, who was the co-captain of his boat. He is preceded in death by parents, Wilton and Lillian Irwin of Henderson, Texas. Ronnie was the youngest child of Wilton and Lillian Irwin, born on November 23rd in Henderson, Texas. He graduated from Henderson High School in 1968 and married his beloved high school sweetheart, Beth in 1972. Ronnie enlisted in the Army in 1971 and served overseas in Germany until 1974. He was awarded The Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service in the 56th Field Artillery Brigade. After discharge, Ronnie moved to Denver, where he began a 28-year career working for Federal Express as one of the first five thousand employees. Ronnie was often known to selflessly deliver packages to others late into Christmas Eve, meaning Beth regularly received IOUs as her Christmas gifts! Ronnie and Beth made their long-term home in San Antonio, Texas where their two children grew up. Ronnie was an enthusiastic Spurs fan and treasured his collection of the team’s five championship hats. He avidly rooted for Meredith’s short middle school volleyball career and supported countless fundraisers for her high school dance team. Ronnie coached Jeffrey’s little league baseball teams and helped him develop his successful golf game, at the expense of one Suburban window which Jeff “caught that a little thin”. Though he attended Texas Tech University, he had wanted to be an Aggie and was thrilled both his children attended Texas A&M. His children remember him as a gentle and patient father who provided endless support and encouragement. Ronnie was a dedicated husband and hardworking provider for his family. However, after his retirement at 55, the best part of his life began, that of Poppy! He was a tremendous grandfather to Caden and Reese from babies to teens; pushing them on swings, teaching Caden to fish, and cheering at their sporting events. It was also after retirement that Ronnie realized another dream, living at Lake Cherokee where he and Beth spent summers as teens. Beth and Ronnie built a beautiful home on the south shore of the lake and cherished the friendships they established in their drum circles, boat rallies, and porch dinners. Ronnie was also a dedicated member of the Church at Lake Cherokee. In 2015 Ronnie was the recipient of a lung transplant that provided him five more years with his family. The selfless gift of the Matthews family will never be forgotten, and as such, donations are welcome to Southwest Transplant Alliance Foundation at Southwest Transplant Alliance, 5489 Blair Rd. Dallas, Texas 75231 or at the link provided to the left. The family would like to thank Ronnie’s doctors at Baylor Scott & White Health Transplant Clinic, Kindred Hospital Dallas Central, and T. Boone Pickens Hospice and Palliative Care Center for their care and dedication.