WAYCROSS — Mr. Irie Shelton Harkleroad, 77, of Waycross, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ early Sunday morning, February 23, 2025, at Hospice House Satilla after an extended illness.

He was born September 7, 1947 in Ware County to the late Stanley Cotch Harkleroad, Sr. and Inell Graham Harkleroad.

Harkleroad graduated from Ware County High School in 1966. The Gators went 25-7 that year with him as their standout basketball player.

H e owned and operated Satilla Motors for 39 years. His career started when he worked for Georgia Power and later as a boilermaker with the Local 26.

Harkleroad enjoyed fishing, any type of racing, working with his sons, being a Sunday School teacher, going to the auctions with Jesse Guy, and operating Outlaw Boats with Mark Middleton. He spent many hours walking his beloved dog, Charlie, around the neighborhood, but above all, Irie was a family man who deeply loved his wife.

In addition to his parents, Harkleroad was also preceded in death by two brothers, Earl and Robert Harkleroad.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Donna Justice Harkleroad of Waycross; two sons, Thad Harkleroad (Alicia) of Waycross and Jason Harkleroad (Tiffany) of Blackshear; grandchildren, William Taylor, Jordan Coker (Gaines), Joselyn Anderson and Hutch Harkleroad; great grandchildren, Graham Taylor and Brooks Coker; brother, Cotch Harkleroad (Mary Kay) of Richmond Hill; brother-in-law, Malcolm Justice (Linda); numerous nieces and nephews, and “adopted” son, Mark Middleton (Cassie).

A funeral service was held Thursday, February 27 at Gilchrist Park Methodist Church. Burial followed in Greenlawn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions should be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, 31501.

Sympathy may be expressed by posting to his tribute wall at www.musicfuneralhome. com Music Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.