Harry Irizarry

  Harry Irizarry, age 57, of Butler, TN, passed away on June 8, 2016 at the Johnson City Medical Center. He was born March 10, 1959 to Adam Irizarry and Carmen Rodriguez Irizarry. Harry was preceded in death by a brother, Billy Irizarry, and a sister-in-law, Debbie Irizarry.   Harry served our country as a Sgt. In the United States Army Ranger and Special Forces. His tours of duty encompassed the entire world, and included the conflicts in Grenada and Desert Shield. He was given an honorable medical discharge. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor under President George H. Bush, but refused to accept it, due to principle, from President Bill Clinton, “A Draft Dodger”.   He also became a Free-Mason from a Texas Lodge following his military career and enjoyed a short sales career for Kirby in Texas and AT&T in New Jersey.   Harry was always an avid NFL Oakland Raider fan since the age of five in the 1960’s because of their attitude and relentless drive to fight hard and “JUST WIN BABY.”   He enjoyed collecting old toys, swords and figures of dragons and wizards. His favorite music was AC/DC, STYX, Queen and Meatloaf’s “Bat out of Hell” – that was Harry! He loved classic cars, especially his 1966 Ford Mustang.   Harry found peace in mowing three acres of grass and his most treasured moments were spent with his beloved grandchildren.   His wife, Mary, will cherish and embrace their magical love, his faith in her and wisdom… forever and ever…   Harry will always be remembered for his love of country, family, friends and mankind along with the non-judgmental support and wisdom he always offered. Known for his never ending sense of humor, he’d like his memory to be filled with “Happy Times and Laughter”.   His legacy was his entire life! And I Mary, his beloved wife and soul-mate was honored to share it for over 25 years.   Those left behind to cherish his memory include his beloved wife, Mary Jean Irizarry; a brother-in-law, Charles V. Van Giezen, Jr.; his parents, Adam and Carmen Irizarry; daughters Jennifer N. Irizarry and boyfriend Deputy Sheriff Brad Sutherland, and Angela M. Irizarry; sisters Yolanda, Lucy, Darleen, Martha, and Lisa; brothers Adam, Milton, and Richard; grandchildren Emily Jean (my princess of the world), Raven Rebekah (my Boo), Damian Malachi (my buddy), Urijah Joe (Little Joe), Danica Grace (Little Bit), Patrick David, Karleigh Jaelynn; Army buddies Jose’ and Shelly Romeo; by his pet Shar-Pei’s, DaVinci and Monet, who loved him and deeply miss him, and by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It was Harry’s wishes to be cremated. A private memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.   The family of Harry Irizarry has entrusted his services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church St., Mountain City, TN 37683. Condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.mountaincityfh.com.