Irby Mandrell passed away in March of 2009. He was an extraordinary man. It has been said a man’s success is measured by what he left behind. There are not many people today that have not heard of the Mandrell Sisters, Irby’s girls. That in itself is a huge measure of success. I think you have to understand his character to understand who he truly was.

Irby grew up in Arkansas in the 30’s, a very poor time. He entered the war effort at the age of 17 to risk his life for what he believed in. At 17 he found himself in the Navy aboard a ship in the South Pacific. That ship was destroyed and sank.. Just as most heroes approach life, you just do what you need to do. That was Irby’s style. Everyone else first.

Irby left the war and found himself with the woman of his dreams and would live the rest of his 60 plus years with her. They both loved the music business and enjoyed the Mandrell Family band. Irby stood for what he believed in, God, family, the military, police and music. Everyone knows Irby for the music business. He was one of the first to provide entertainment for our military in Vietnam, The Mekong Delta. This was a very dangerous place, but Irby did what he felt he needed to do.

Irby was a policeman, owned a music store and then managed his daughters. All sing, dance and play lots of musical instruments. The one thing Irby instilled in those girls, besides the obvious, was the second amendment. It is our right to own and shoot guns. It is OK. Those girls to this day exercise that right to a very proficient degree. Irby left behind a legacy that will stand the test of time. I am sure generations in the future will not know who Irby was, at least by name, but will feel the effects of who he was. Irby’s humor was one of a kind. His wit was unmatched. Everyone who knew Irby has a story.

Irby’s legacy can be seen in his children, grandchildren and friends. He passed his belief to a host of people who in turn pass it down to others. You see, that was Irby’s success that he passed the torch to many to carry.