[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 63 (Tuesday, April 13, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E375-E376]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF THE LIFE OF GERALD IRONS, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 13, 2021

  Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of 
Gerald Irons, a treasured member of my community, who sadly passed away 
Thursday, April 1, 2021.
  Born May 2, 1947 in Gary, Indiana, Gerald Irons, Sr.'s life was 
marked by outstanding achievement and service. After graduating from 
Gary Roosevelt High School, Gerald attended the University of Maryland-
Eastern Shore. During his time in college, he excelled

[[Page E376]]

both on and off of the football field, serving as captain of the 
football team and as student government vice president.
  After being selected in the third round of the 1970 draft by the 
Oakland Raiders, Gerald continued his run of excellence at the 
professional level. After six years starting at linebacker for the 
Raiders, Gerald spent four years with the Cleveland Browns before 
retiring in 1980. Named an ``Oakland Raiders Legend, ``listed among the 
``100 Greatest Cleveland Browns'' of all time, and named to the Indiana 
Football Hall of Fame in 2013, Gerald's athletic career proved truly 
remarkable.
  Even so, his time off the field proved as noteworthy as his time on 
it. During the off seasons of his NFL career, he continued his pursuit 
of education, earning a master's degree in Business Administration from 
the University of Chicago. Gerald put his skills and experiences to 
quick use. He spent a distinguished 32 years working with The Woodlands 
Development Company, helping hundreds of businesses relocate to The 
Woodlands. Gerald also served for 22 years on the Conroe ISD Board of 
Trustees during a period which saw student enrollment double. Because 
of his continued commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for 
others, Gerald D. Irons, Sr. Junior High School was named in his honor.
  Gerald and his family were a driving force behind the annual Martin 
Luther King Jr. Day Celebration and Drum Major Awards held each January 
in the Woodlands. Gerald was integral to the founding of Impact Church 
in the Woodlands where he served as an elder. Due to their exemplary 
lives of active involvement in the community, the Irons were named 
Hometown Heroes.
  In the words of his family, ``He lived a life of service to his 
family, church and community; to know Gerald was truly to love 
Gerald.'' Gerald is remembered by his loving wife, Myrna, and many 
loving children and grandchildren.
  I join the entire community in honoring Gerald Irons for his 
dedicated life of service to others. His amazing legacy will always be 
cherished in our community.

                          ____________________