Irvin Jolly Florence

Published 1:23 pm Thursday, May 22, 2025

Feb. 22, 1928 – May 4, 2025

HORSESHOE BAY, TX – Irvin Jolly Florence (“IJ”) passed away very peacefully at home in Horseshoe Bay on May 4, 2025. He is now in heaven with his wife, Jeanne, and his many friends and family who have gone before.

IJ was born in Meridian, MS, on Feb. 2, 1928, and grew up in his grandparents’ modest home with his mother, three sisters, a cousin, and several uncles, all sharing one small bathroom. His pre-teen years were largely spent in the local pool halls, where he became so good that he was often called out of school to play visiting hustlers from out of town. The setup was profitable for IJ and the pool hall.

After graduating from high school, IJ served in the Navy, and upon being honorably discharged, worked on crews constructing the Tennessee Gas Pipeline through Mississippi. There, in Greenville, he met the true love of his life, Jeanne Holiman.

Highly intelligent and ambitious, he became a surveyor, draftsman, and successful entrepreneur. With his business partner Mike Wappler, he formed Oilfield Pipe and Supply Company, which he sold to Kidde Inc. in the early 1980s. He and Jeanne retired to a wonderful life in their antebellum home in the country outside of Natchez. There, IJ and Jeanne enjoyed entertaining friends and family with great parties, outstanding wine, golf, and always interesting conversation.

IJ was truly interested in everything and was a voracious reader. He played to win and usually did- whether it be business, golf, bridge, gin rummy, or any of his many hobbies.

IJ and Jeanne made the very difficult decision to leave their life in Natchez and move to Horseshoe Bay, TX, in 2018 to be near family. Though late in life, they made wonderful new friends whom they cherished.

IJ is predeceased by his wife, Jeanne Holiman Florence, and leaves sons, Jim and John (Beth); grandchildren, Allison Crane (Jason), Lizzy Miser (Wes), Caroline Anderson (Corey), Will Florence (Bridget), and Tom Florence (Audrey); as well as great-grandchildren, Claire and Henry Crane, Vallie Miser, John and Elizabeth Anderson, Daphne Florence, and Sonny Florence, along with extended family including Susan Florence, former daughter-in-law.

The family especially thanks all the nurses and aides at New Century Hospice, including Robbye, Tracy, Kassy, Tiffany, Deborah, Julie, Cherie, Misty, and Clydie, as well as the wonderful women who provided 24-hour care: Linda, Michelle, Claudia, Ashley, Crystal, Sarah, and Alicia. IJ and the family were truly blessed to have these wonderful people in their lives at a difficult time. Their work is a ministry. They loved and were loved by IJ.

A burial service for IJ and Jeanne will take place in Natchez, with the date to be determined.