Patrick Eugene "Gene" Irwin, 78, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 26, 2021 in Cantonment, FL. He passed away doing what he loved, working on his 57 Chevy Belaire.

Gene was born on October 16, 1942 in Pensacola, FL to Pershing and Marie Irwin. He married Barbara Andrews, and they welcomed two children into their home. Gene began working for The Pensacola Fire Department, where he retired, after 35 years of service, as a Captain. His children remember him as a kind and driven father who taught them many valuable lessons.

Gene was accomplished at rebuilding antique cars and turned all his cars into showroom quality. He was a witty individual who loved telling crazy stories of his life growing up in Pensacola. He was passionate about God, his family and antique cars. He was an active and dedicated member of Hillcrest Church, the Masonic Lodge and The Hadji Shrine Temple.

Gene's innocent mischief both as a child and teen evolved into the guy you want at every party. His ready wit, the glint in his eye, his storytelling caressed the audience. It was not just showmanship but more a genuine outpouring of joie de vivre that was as natural to him as breathing. We know that many of you are going to miss that gift Gene brought to our lives.

Gene is preceded in death by his father, Pershing Irwin; mother, Marie Irwin; and sister, Beverly Huffman.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Irwin of Pensacola, FL; children, Andy Irwin and Christy Irwin Taylor both of Pensacola, FL; grandchildren, Amara Taylor, Collin Taylor, and Jacob Eggart all of Pensacola, FL; as well as special cousins, Charlene Bogan of Pensacola, FL, Carol Dougherty of Voorhees, NJ, and Gary Brooks of Pensacola, FL.

Visitation will be held 1:00pm until the funeral service to begin at 2:00pm Monday, April 5, 2021 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel with Pastor Eric Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park.