Edward Julius "Buddy" Irby, Jr. passed away on May 20, 2026. He was 72. Born October 13, 1953 to Susie Hullum Irby and Edward J. Irby, Sr., Buddy spent most of his life in Vicksburg, graduating from Warren Central High School and earning a B.S. in Industrial Management from the University of Southern Mississippi. He married Carlleen Millis, also from Vicksburg, in 1974 and had 2 children. Professionally, Buddy spent nearly 40 years in the forest products industry, specifically hardwood lumber production and sales, both domestically and internationally. He was a member of National Hardwood Lumber Association, Hardwood Manufacturers’ Association, Lumbermen’s Club of Memphis and Southwestern Hardwood Manufacturers Club. He was an active member and former officer of Tennessee Bar Hunting Club.

Buddy is preceded in death by his father, E.J. Irby, Sr.; his mother, Susie Hullum Irby; his sister, Susan Faye Irby; and his wife, Carlleen Millis Irby.

He leaves behind one daughter Erin Jill McCullar; one son Nathan Edward Irby; one grandson, Ethan Lynn McCullar.

Services will be held at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Avenue in Vicksburg on Friday, May 22 at 10 AM. Visitation will be held at 9 AM until the hour of service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Antioch Cemetery: 8369 Campbell Sawmp Rd., Vicksburg, MS 39180