David Rector Irwin

David R. Irwin, age 93, passed away peacefully at his home of more than 62 years in Clinton, Tennessee, on September 29th, 2025.

He was born January 3, 1932, in Union County, to Glenn G. Irwin and Ruth Rice Irwin. In his childhood, David and his family were twice relocated-first from their home in the Loyston Community during the construction of Norris Dam, and later from Robertsville during the Manhattan Project. In 1942, they settled on a farm in the Bethel community, where David would spend the rest of his life.

David graduated from Norris High School in 1949. In the early 1960s, he met the love of his life, Carolyn Hobbs. They married on February 16, 1963, and shared 50 wonderful years together, building a family grounded in faith, hard work, and devotion to one another.

A lifelong farmer, David ran a dairy farm and raised beef cattle and tobacco. He was happiest with his hands in the soil-cultivating vegetables, nurturing flowers, and growing what friends and family still call his "legendary tomatoes." His love of the land was matched by his love for his community. He served on several local boards, including the Anderson County Farm Bureau, Anderson County Co-Op (where he was an incorporating chairman), and the Anderson County Soil Conservation District. For many years, he also managed a polling place on Election Day, faithfully ensuring his neighbors could vote.

David was a devoted woodworker who crafted many beautiful pieces of furniture for his home. He hand-carved birds and other intricate works and became especially renowned among family and friends for creating customized boxes designed to safeguard their most cherished memories.

David was a member of Andersonville United Methodist Church for more than 60 years, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and supported countless church activities.

To many he was affectionately "Uncle David." He and Carolyn were a daily presence at the Museum of Appalachia, where they enjoyed lunch and fellowship with friends old and new.

Of all his blessings, David's greatest joy was his family, especially his granddaughter, Katherine. He cherished their time together, teaching her to whittle, sharing gardening wisdom, and passing along the traditions that defined his life.

David was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn; son, Robert David Irwin; parents, Glenn and Ruth Irwin; brother, John Rice Irwin; and niece, Karen Erickson. He is survived by his daughter, Anne Irwin Buhl (Hector Padilla); granddaughter, Katherine Buhl; son-in-law, Joseph Buhl; niece, Elaine (Ed) Meyer; grand-niece Lindsey (Jason) Meyer Gallaher; grand-nephews John Meyer (Sara) and Will Meyer (Molly); great-grandnephews Meyer and Parker Gallaher; great-grandnieces Rese, Avery, and Landry Meyer; and special cousin Beverly Stooksbury Leitner.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to those who lovingly cared for David: Kathy and Eddie Justice, and Patti and Angie. The family deeply appreciates the tender care of the UT Hospice team-especially Justin Bradshaw, Olivia, and Nicole-whose compassion brought comfort during his final months.

Pallbearers: Katherine Buhl, Joseph Buhl, Mark Irwin, John Meyer, Will Meyer, Hector Padilla.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 5, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home, followed by interment at Norris Memorial Gardens. Family and friends are invited to a reception at the Museum of Appalachia afterward.

Memorial contributions may be made in David's honor to: Museum of Appalachia, PO Box 1189, Norris, TN 37828.

Holley Gamble Funeral Home is proud to be serving the Irwin family. www.Holleygamble.com.

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