Irving Booker Jr., age 85, of Chesterfield County, Va., departed this life on Oct. 30, 2015 at the McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center in Richmond, Va.

He accepted Christ as his personal savior and joined Union Zion Baptist Church in Ware Neck, Va., at an early age. He attended Gloucester Training School during the 1940s. In 1947, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He honorably served for 22 years and achieved the rank of Specialist 1st Class, E-7, when he retired in July of 1969. He attained numerous medals and awards to include: three Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts.

A memorial service was held in his honor on Nov. 6, 2015, at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia County, Va.

He leaves to mourn his passing, wife, Mrs. Mary Booker of Chesterfield; four daughters and one step-daughter; four sons and one stepson; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Miss Catherine Booker of Ware Neck and Mrs. Beulah Trent of Cumberland County, Va., and one brother, Mr. Robert Booker of Cumberland County, Va.; also cousins and friends.