[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 126 (Monday, September 21, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10669-S10670]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO DR. GEORGE VERNON IRONS, SR.

 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 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 offering this 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 unanimous consent that the tribute written by 
Dr. Irons' son William be printed in the Record.
  The tribute follows:

                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,

[[Page S10670]]

     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.I.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 being asked. Dr. Irons had an 
     unlimited capacity to give his endless energies to any task. 
     His crisp walks across the Samford campus at near 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.

                          ____________________