From an early age Ira loved to fish and hunt with his dad and spend time with his friends. He also loved to play the guitar. Ira attended Glenwood Elementary School and then went on to graduate from West Plains High School.
Ira had a deep love for people and was sensitive to their needs. When he was small, he had a battle with leukemia and by the grace of God, he won. He was always quick to lend a helping hand and seemed to know what people needed before they asked. He had a special place in his heart for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, all of the children there, and especially his good friend, Dr. Pui. Through it all Ira’s parents were especially strong and loving. His mom was his best buddy and they fought it together. She wore herself out, but they made it through. Ira’s whole family are so thankful that God gave all those extra years.
Ira was known for pouring concrete and maybe most of all selling chickens. His mom and sister started calling him Chicken Man. (Probably not his favorite nickname.) He sold chickens to people all over the place. This brought him joy just like so many other things in life.
In January of 2016 Ira’s most joyous day came. His son Rodney Wade was born. The look of pride on his face when he walked through the doors with his newborn was a beautiful thing to see.
Ira’s life wasn’t easy but for years finding things that brought him joy, little things, seemed key. He loved to laugh, and his laugh was wild and crazy. He didn’t realize that he was teaching others to find a silver lining by looking for one himself. He seemed to have an old soul in some ways and that brought comfort to those around him. Ira believed that God was sovereign, and he knew that He saw the bigger picture in all things.
Ira is survived by his parents Rodney and Marilyn Briscoe, his son, Rodney Wade Briscoe, one sister, Kelli Vonallmen and husband Ricky, his nieces and nephew, Madyson Callahan and John Ryan, Taylor Vonallmen, Luke Vonallmen and Audra. One maternal grandparent J.D. Hobbs. Ira was blessed to have so many special aunts, uncles, and cousins, that he loved so much.
Ira was preceded in death by his grandparents Jerry and Billie Briscoe, Grandmother Iva Hobbs, Uncle Abigia Hobbs, and very special friend Corey Parrish.
“As long as you have your family that’s all that matters.” -Ira Briscoe
A public memorial service will be held at a later date to be determined.
