Edward Calvert Ihrie

Edward Calvert Ihrie March 27, 1931 – December 30, 2017 Edward Calvert Ihrie, 86, of Wilson, loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather passed away Saturday, December 30, 2017 at his home, surrounded by his family. Born on March 27, 1931, he was the son of the late John H. Ihrie and Mabel Clark Ihrie of Zebulon. Edward is survived by his beloved wife of thirty-nine years, Jerri Walston Ihrie; six daughters, Edwina Kyle and husband, Jim of Fayetteville, Deborah Dildy and husband, David of Kinston, Kim Herring and husband, Jim of New Bern, Jan Ianonne and husband, Tommy of Hampstead, Mitsn Cannon and husband, Mark of Wilson, and Dawn Flowers of Rocky Mount; thirteen grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; his sister, Hazel I. Horner of Raleigh, and his brother, George Pou Ihrie and wife, Joyce of Timmonsville, South Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mabel Ihrie; sisters, Margaret I. Crawford, Virginia I. Maxwell, and Elizabeth I. Pearce; brother, John H. Ihrie III, and great-grandson, Tyler Schmidt. Edward was a successful businessman, and was the founder and chairman of Ihrie Supply Company, which is headquartered in Wilson. A child of the depression, who grew up on a small dairy farm, he began a career in the plumbing supply business and acquired two stores in 1972. The business expanded to more than ten locations over the years and now has eight branches in eastern North Carolina. Edward will be missed by his many dedicated current and former employees, along with numerous loyal customers throughout the region. Edward was a long-time member of First Christian Church of Wilson, serving in many lay positions over the years. He was also a member of several civic organizations, including the Elks Club of Wilson, where he regularly had lunch and socialized with friends. Edward will be remembered by his family and friends not only as a knowledgeable and dedicated businessman, but for his integrity, kindness, and sense of humor. He was especially known for his unwavering generosity to those in need. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 – 8 p.m. at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at First Christian Church, 207 Tarboro Street N, Wilson. Entombment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park, Wilson. A reception will follow the committal at the Wilson Elks Lodge, 2814 Fieldstream Drive, Wilson. Special thanks for the loving care provided by Hospice of Wilson and caregivers, Betty and Christine. Flowers are welcome, or memorials in Edward’s honor may be made to First Christian Church, PO Box 2702, Wilson, North Carolina 27894 or Hospice of Wilson, 1705 S Tarboro Street, Wilson, North Carolina 27893. Condolences may be directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home at www.joyners.net.