Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) is mourning the loss of Dr. John Crawford Irvine, a longtime educator/administrator and 2018 inductee into the LMU Professional Hall of Fame. Irvine died Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, at his home in Harrogate. He was 82.
Irvine joined the LMU faculty in 1977 and served the university for 32 years in a variety of roles, including professor of speech and theater, department chair, dean, and vice president. He was best known for his contributions to the arts and humanities on campus and in the surrounding region.
He directed numerous stage productions at LMU, beginning with the Barnyard Dinner Theatre in the 1970s. As venues changed—from the original barn structure to the campus dining hall to Arnold Auditorium—Irvine adapted and expanded, drawing talent from students, faculty, staff, and the local community. His work helped enrich the cultural landscape of the tri-state area.
Colleagues and former students often recalled his high standards, creative vision, and commitment to fostering talent. His stage work, often produced in collaboration with his wife, Billie Irvine, left a lasting mark on the LMU community.
Born May 27, 1943, in Memphis, Tennessee, Irvine earned a bachelor’s degree from Lambuth University, a master’s from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a PhD in theatre from Florida State University. Before joining LMU, he taught at Radford College and Florida A&M University and directed productions at various regional theatres in Memphis and beyond.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Billie Irvine, and a large extended family. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 1, at 4 p.m. at Covenant United Methodist Church in Middlesboro, Kentucky, following visitation from 2 to 4 p.m. Burial will follow at Harrogate Cemetery.
In honor of Irvine’s legacy, LMU is dedicating a Patron of the Arts Scholarship in his name. Contributions may be made at www.LMUnet.edu/patrons.
Arrangements are being handled by Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, Kentucky.
