George William Ireland, aged 75 from Hendersonville, N.C., passed in his sleep on May 26, after a courageous two-year battle with lung cancer.
“Bill” was born on June 5, 1948, in Cardiff Wales, to mother Barbara Morgan Ireland (preceding him in death in 1987) and father (whose death preceded his birth) George William Ireland.
Arriving from Wales in 1953, he resided in Illinois from his early childhood into his teens, attending Moline High School before enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1966. He received an honorable discharge in 1969 after serving in the Vietnam war, holding the rank of Sergeant E5.
After returning home, he spent several years long-haul trucking across the U.S. eventually calling Jacksonville, Fla., home. There he took up carpentry and met his wife Melinda Diane Worcester.
Bill, a devoted fan, supported the Cubs throughout his life and also took pleasure in following the Gators and Iowa women’s basketball teams.
He is survived by his son from his first marriage, Christopher William Ireland. Bill’s wife, of 38 years, Melinda Diane Ireland, daughters Kimberly Adele Beckstead (husband David Beckstead), Erin Morgan Ireland, son Dylan Thomas Ireland (wife Jaclyn Ireland), and youngest daughter Mackenzie Rose Walker (husband Charles Walker III).
Bill was known as Grampy/Yaya to his grandchildren, one of whom he helped raise from infancy as his own daughter, Nevaeh Liyana Ireland.
In accordance with Bill’s wishes, there will be no formal services held.
Throughout the course of his treatment, if asked how he was doing, his guaranteed response was:
“I’m better than I look, thank you very much!” -Bill Ireland
Asheville Mortuary Services handled arrangements.
See the original obituary HERE.