Obituary of Irvin Eugene McGarrell

Irvin Eugene McGarrell, 91, of Roanoke went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Ward McGarrell; his parents, James and Maude McGarrell; and siblings, James McGarrell, Adelaide Wright, and Jane Wright.

Irv grew up in Southeast Roanoke and graduated from Jefferson High School. He was a gifted athlete and was called the “Fleet Footed Magician.” He served as a Combat Engineer in the United States Army, proudly serving in the Korean War. He later attended Bridgewater College, leaving to marry the love of his life, Betty. He started as a Roanoke City Policeman and then became a Virginia State Trooper. He dabbled in insurance, real estate, and numerous other endeavors before retiring as a Virginia Western CC Campus Police Officer. After retirement, he went back to work for Red Cross for 15 years.

Irv was an avid UVA fan. He loved to dance in the Spring and Summer at Party in the Park at Elmwood Park.

He is survived by his children, Jeanie Harlow, Daniel McGarrell, Wendy Buttram (Jon), and Mary Owens (Clay); grandchildren, Danielle Duncan (Billy), Amy Conner (Andrew), Adam McGarrell, Hunter Johnson (Julia), Peyton Johnson, and Anthony Beheler; brother, Patrick McGarrell (Myra); sister, Susan Arnold (George); and numerous other family members.

The family will have a Visitation on Monday February 26, 2024 from 6-8pm at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, VA 24019. A Funeral Service will take place a Parkway Church on the Mountain ( 3645 Orange Ave NE, Roanoke, VA 24012) on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 1:00pm and then processing to Mountain View Cemetery.