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SEPTEMBER 21, 1998
by U.S. SENATOR RICHARD C. SHELBY - ALABAMA
MR. SHELBY: MR. PRESIDENT, I rise today to eulogize and celebrate the life of one of Alabama's great native sons--Dr. George Vernon Irons, Sr., who passed away July 21, 1998.
Dr. Irons was Distinguished Professor of History and Political Science Emeritus at Samford University, having served the University for 43 years. During that time, he taught a record number of University Presidents, 17.
Dr. Irons was the oldest member of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and one of Alabama's athletic greats--the only Alabama track and distance star inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame from the University of Alabama. Mr. President, only three men have been in inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame on the first ballot: Ralph Shug Jordan, Paul "Bear" Bryant, and Dr. George Irons.
Dr. Irons is survived by his wife, Velma Wright Irons, a distinguished educator and nominee for the Alabama Women's Hall of Fame at Judson College; two sons: Dr. George Vernon Irons, Jr., a cardiologist in Charlotte, North Carolina; and William Lee Irons, a prominent Birmingham attorney. Dr. Irons and his son William are the only father and son to be selected for the 1998 Who's Who in America from Alabama.
Mr. President, Dr. George Vernon Irons Sr., gave tirelessly of himself to God and country. He was a man of great distinction, and I take great pride in offered this the tribute on his behalf.
Mr. President, the following tribute, edited to meet Congressional Record length requirements, was written by Dr. Irons' son. It provides a comprehensive and detailed account of Dr. Irons' life and many accomplishments.
Mr. President, I ask that my statement, and the tribute written by Dr. Irons' son William be made part of the Congressional Record.
TRIBUTE TO DR. GEORGE VERNON IRONS, SR.
By William L. Irons
Dr. George Vernon Irons, Sr., arrived at Birmingham's Howard College (now Samford University) in 1931. At that time, the school was experiencing serious financial difficulty, owing more than $400,000. Dr. Irons' first assignment for the troubled school began when University President Neal called him in and explained that the school had been noticed for foreclosure. "Your job, Irons, is to go to the banker and stop this foreclosure," President Neal directed.
Dr. Irons persuaded the banker, after much deliberation, to grant the university a two-year extension. The rest is history. Today, Samford University is the largest privately endowed Baptist school in the world, and is the only Baptist institution in America with an inspiring domed school of divinity.
As a result of Dr. Irons' key role in assisting Howard College to grow into an internationally acclaimed university, he was elected by the Samford University faculty to serve as Grand Marshall of all academic, graduation and commencement exercises. Leading the academic processional for 15 years. In 1976, he was recognized by Samford University Faculty Resolution for "his impeccable character and qualities of modesty, humility, kindness, and selfless service to the University."
While the final years of service often ebb, this was not the case for Dr. Irons. In the last few months of his life, at nearly 96 years of age, Dr. Irons secured a $100,000 scholarship contribution to Samford University as a perpetual memorial to his academic excellence as Distinguished Professor for 43 years.
In addition to his tireless efforts on behalf of Samford University, Dr. Irons is known as a sports legend. In the early 1920's, George Irons kept the athletic flame burning at the University of Alabama as its ''Knight of the Cinderpath."
As a Junior in 1922, Irons' won the prestigious A.A.U. Road Race in Atlanta. That same year, Irons broke the A.A.U. record, running four miles in 17-minutes and 24-seconds--an average of four, four-minute 21-second miles in succession. The four minute mile record would not be broken until 30-years later.
Irons then won the All Southern S.l.A.A. Road Race in Birmingham--a grueling three mile event over solid pavement. In a hard, driving rain, he broke the record by more than 20 seconds. This record has never been equaled nor broken.
For his prowess on the track field, Irons ran himself into the Alabama record books, including his addition to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1978 on the first ballot--the only track and distance runner ever inducted into the Hall of Fame.
While at the University of Alabama, Dr. Irons was a Phi Beta Kappa honors student, and the University's nominee for the Rhodes Scholarship in 1924. From there, he went on to Duke University where he earned his doctorate degree in history.
To his friends, Dr. Irons' was the quintessential American. With large inviting hands, captivating smile and charming gentleman's demeanor, he radiated a generous spirit accessible to everyone. Witty and charming, he always made the other person "look good," even if to his own detriment. Eager to listen, never critical or negative, he could penetrate the soul of another and give an inspiring uplifting word of encouragement or silently go about doing good. A generous heart who cared deeply and passionately about the loves of his life and consecrated his energies to them. A braveheart of Scottish ancestry, he had the heart of a lion when his interests were challenged.
A consummate gentleman with the "can do" American spirit on any endeavor--interested in what you were doing and how he could help accomplish your objectives. With foresight he encouraged female colleagues to pursue their professional goals long before it was a popular undertaking.
He was a genteel man ever sensitive to another's hurt. He went about assisting without begin asked. Dr. Irons had an unlimited capacity to give his endless energies to any task. His crisp walks across the Samford campus at nearly running gait were legendary among his students and the faculty. He had a great fighting heart for his beliefs and often referred to his middle initial "V" as "V for victory." Dr. Irons had an elegance rarely seen rivaling the beauty and grace of a swan, yet strong with the swift power of a lion if called upon.
Loyal and faithful, easy to greet, he was at ease before a large convocation audience or content to enjoy cherished time of solitude.
In addition to his other accomplishments, Dr. Irons, who was also Colonel Irons, proudly defended the United States in war and in peace for over one-third of the 20th Century. Dr. Irons, who achieved the rank of Lt. Col., served in the Anti-Aircraft Artillery branch of the U. S. Army and reserves.
Devoted to God, Dr. Irons gave selfless service to his Church as deacon, Sunday school teacher, and Chairman of the Board of Deacons. He was elected as lifetime Deacon, Southside Baptist Church. His life reflects his depth of devotion in word, deed and thought. Dr. Irons was an icon of virtue and a legendary role model for Samford students for almost a century.
Dr. Irons' life was one of sacrificial service. From his service to our nation, to his work on behalf of Samford University students and Faculty, Dr. Irons was a figure of character, devotion to cause, and exemplary standards of honor, duty and integrity. His life is an inspiration to all.
Funeral services for Dr. Irons were conducted at Mountain Brook Baptist Church Chapel on July 27,1998 by Dr. Irons' former student, Dr. James D. Moebes, Senior Minister.