GyBill
01-22-2009, 09:17 PM
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joseph Bradley Irwin, 21, was taken to live with our Lord Jan. 15, 2009, following a tragic motorcycle accident in North Carolina where he was currently stationed. Joey, as he was known to many family and friends, was a graduate of Great Bridge High School and a member of West Side Christian Church. Following graduation, Joey entered the United States Marine Corps and served his country bravely and honorably, preparing for and executing two tours of combat in Iraq. Joseph is survived by a wealth of family that he held very dear including his mother, Christie Bradley; his father and stepmother, Owen and Connie Irwin; his brother, James Owen Irwin; and a stepsister and stepbrother, Tina Elkins and Mark Brown. He is the beloved grandson of Eddrie Bradley and the late Rodney L. Bradley and also Dorothy P. Irwin and the late Owen F. Irwin. Also mourning his loss are a variety of aunts, uncles, cousins and scores of friends. Once a Marine, Joey gained many new "brothers" - many of whom are from his unit, the 2nd Marine Division, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines Regiment, H&S Company, Motor T stationed at Camp LeJeune, N.C. His parents and brother also gained some very supportive friends. Very dear to Joey and now a permanent part of our family circle is one Joey called "his other brother," Cpl. William Cheetham and his wife Nicole. All of our hearts are very heavy as we mourn the loss of one we hold so dear. We take comfort in knowing that he suffered no pain and that he is now resting in the arms of the One who called him home. A visitation will be held at Snellings Funeral Home, George Washington Hwy., today from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The funeral is scheduled to be held in Great Bridge Presbyterian Church, Cedar Road, Wednesday at 11 a.m. Interment is to be held immediately following with full military honors at Chesapeake Memorial Gardens on Cedar Road. A reception will be held at the church following the interment for family and friends. Memorial donations may be made to West Side Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Condolences may be offered to the family at www.snellingfuneralhome.com.