William "Will" Keith Irwin's Obituary
On July 18, 2024, William Keith Irwin “Will” passed away at his home in Gainesville. Will was 34 years old when he entered heaven to safely and forever rest in the loving arms of His Lord and Savior Jesus. But those who know Will are stricken with deep grief and loss. What a blessing to have known Will and what a terrible loss.
The first born of his parents, William and Melissa, he entered this world on April 12, 1990, which was also the birthday of his paternal grandfather. Will’s sister, Rebecca came five years later and was his only sibling. They shared a close and loving relationship with his sister affectionately referring to him as “bubby.”
Will grew up in Gainesville, attending and graduating from Cornerstone Academy, where he was deeply loved and respected by both his teachers and fellow classmates.
Will received a full four-year Presidential Scholarship to The University of North Florida graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree majoring in philosophy.
Will was employed by the University of Florida as a systems analyst for many years, a position he found sometimes challenging but also rewarding.
Will was broad-minded both with his interests and his acceptance of others’ unique natures, an especially empathetic young man. He was also a talented musician, having studied the piano from childhood and applying it as a ministry in his church, performing during praise and worship. This was a continuation of his volunteer work there with children’s ministry, notably Vacation Bible School.
He had an affinity for Japan, its language and culture and visited there while in college. Will also enjoyed Japanese anime, both books and movies. He was an avid player of video games, a hobby he developed from his early years and continued onward throughout his life, forming friendships with others in distant places with regular online interactive games, where he was known as “Pascal.”
Will was a deep thinker and read extensively, his interests ranging from science fiction and fantasy to discourses on philosophy and religion.
Will was always a compassionate and considerate person from childhood through his adult years, and he cared deeply about the needs of others, especially animals in distress. He adopted three of them, his dog Dobby (now deceased) and his two cats, Bandit and Chic.
Anyone who would like to remember and honor Will through their donations can contribute to Faithful Friends of Gainesville, a local non-profit animal rescue and adoption organization (faithfulfriendsrescue.org).
We will celebrate Will’s life with family and friends on Saturday, August 3 at 11:00 am at The Family Church 2022 SW 122nd Street, Gainesville, Florida 32607. All are welcome, please dress casually.
Will is survived by his parents William and Melissa Irwin, his sister Rebecca Irwin, aunts Krista Bailey and Anita Reinert, uncles Keith Jones and Jim Reinert and cousins Amy Holley, Melanie Reinert, Gregory Reinert and Teresa Ruzicka.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Hilda Irwin (paternal); William and Juanita Jones (maternal) and his uncle “Uh-Oh,” James Bailey, who have all already passed over into our Lord’s loving arms.
Will, until we see you again, we will forever hold you in our hearts remembering the joy, love, grace and kindness you shared with us all.
What’s your fondest memory of William "Will"?
What’s a lesson you learned from William "Will"?
Share a story where William "Will"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William "Will" you’ll never forget.
How did William "Will" make you smile?