David E. Irons, 74, of Florence, died early Sunday morning, October 16, 2011 at home with his family by his side. He had been a member of the Edgemont United Methodist Church and the Friendship Sunday School class for forty years.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at Elkins Funeral Home, Florence. Visitation on Wednesday will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Edgemont United Methodist Church followed by the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Chris Montgomery will officiate. Burial will follow in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens.
David was a lifetime resident of Lauderdale County and was a 1954 graduate of Waterloo High School. He was an electrician by trade and a member of IBEW local #558 for 55 years. He served in the US Army Reserve. He worked for the City of Florence, Williams Electric and Shoals Electric for many years and previously owned the Quickie Store and Northwood Plaza in North Florence. He built and previously owned Madison Square Apartments in Florence for twenty years.
He never met a stranger and had an opinion on everything. He was a dedicated and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His family and friends were the joy of his life. He loved to travel with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sue Irons; daughters Susan Irons Templet and husband Jason and Ginger Irons Jones and husband Ian; sister Martha Jones and husband Turner; brothers Larry Irons and wife Peggy and Kenneth Gary Irons and wife Paula; grandchildren Brandon Templet and wife Mia, Chase Templet, Sydney Templet, Sarah Templet and Ava Grace Jones; sisters-in-law Gerry Reese and Jo Beckham; special cousin Louis Whitten; nieces Lisa Jones Herron, Lynda Jones Knox, Lori Jones, Nikki Irons Reese; nephews Charles Irons , Kevin Reese and many cousins, great nieces and great nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Smithie and Ophelia Irons; brother-in-law Robert Reese, nephews Terry Reese, Bobby Reese, Brian Reese and wife Janice; niece Sherry Irons.
Pallbearers will be Ray Cooper, Charles Irons, Lewis McCroskey, Kevin Reese, Brandon Templet, Chase Templet, Bobby Gil Thompson and Kenny Wilson. Honorary bearers will be Mark Aldridge, Glenn Austin, Bobby Irons, Scott Irons, Tommy Irons, Jack Johnson, Larry Jones, James Mathis, Dennis Morgan, Kevin Thompson, and Almon Truitt.
The family would like to thank special friends Larry and Sheri Jones, Alison Darby, Sandra Betterton, nurse Beth Butler, and Hospice of the Shoals. Words cannot express how thankful we are for all family and friends who tirelessly helped care for him, take care of things he could no longer do, and for all the prayers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 104 S. Poplar Street, Florence, AL 35630 and the Edgemont United Methodist Church, 1330 Eauclaire Avenue, Florence, AL 35630.