[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.
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