David E. Irons

David E. Irons, 74, of Florence, Ala., died early Sunday morning, Oct. 16, 2011, at home with his family by his side. He was a member of Edgemont United Methodist Church and The Friendship Sunday School Class for 40 years. He was a lifetime resident of Lauderdale County. He was an electrician by trade and member of IBEW Local 558 for 55 years and served in the Army Reserve. He worked for the city of Florence, Shoals Electric, and Williams Electric for many years. He previously owned The Quickie Store and Northwood Plaza in North Florence. He built and previously owned Madison Square Apartments in Florence for 20 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 was preceded in death by his parents, Smithie and Ophelia Irons; brother-in-law, Robert Reese; nephews, Terry Reese, Bobby Reese, and Brian Reese and wife Janice; and niece, Sherry Irons. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sue Irons; two daughters, Susan Irons Templet and husband Jason, and Ginger Irons Jones and husband Ian; a 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; a special cousin, Louis Whitten; nieces, Lisa Jones Herron, Lynda Jones Knox, Lori Jones and Nikki Irons Reese; nephews, Charles Irons and Kevin Reese; and many cousins, great-nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Ray Cooper, Charles Irons, Lewis McCroskey, Kevin Reese, Bobby Gil Thompson, Brandon Templet, Chase Templet and Kenny Wilson. Honorary pallbearers are Mark Aldridge, Glenn Austin, Scott Irons, Tommy Irons, Larry Jones, James Mathis, Dennis Morgan, Kevin Thompson, Almon Truitt and Jack Johnson. 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 those family and friends who tirelessly helped to care for him and 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 and Edgemont United Methodist Church, 1330 Eauclaire Ave., Florence, AL, 35630. Arrangements by Elkins Funeral Home in Florence. Visitation Elkins Funeral Home, Florence, Tuesday, Oct. 18, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation at Edgemont United Methodist Church on Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m., led by the Rev. Chris Montgomery. Burial in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens. The family would like to invite you to sign the online registry at www.Elkinsfh.com.