David Ray
Irons
January 1, 1949 - October 17, 2023
David Ray Irons age 74 of Florence passed on October 17, 2023. Memorial services were held privately. Williams Funeral Home of Florence in charge.
He is preceded by his parents Kenneth and Florence Irons.
Mr. Irons is survived by his wife of 45 years, Cheryl Irons. Three children, David W. Irons, Aaron R. Irons (Lori) and Chris R. Irons (Amber). Four beautiful grandchildren, Ashley, Jonathan, Colton, and Grayson.
David breathed and slept work, but when he did take time, he enjoyed the outdoors. Fishing, hunting, water and snow skiing as well as golfing. He loved travel and knew all the great places to eat.
In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the American Cancer Society https://donate.cancer.org/ and/or the Alzheimer’s Foundation https://act.alz.org/site/Donation
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10 Comments on “David Ray Irons”
David was a very caring man and will be missed deeply. I got to know David well over the past 9 years and admired his zest for living. I am glad we crossed paths when I moved to Sandestin.
David, rest in peace. ❤️
Your good friend, Jordan
A chance meeting in the mid 80s at white oaks campground in Starved Rock state park created a great relationship with our families. Jan and I will always treasure the Many wonderful get togethers at each others house over the years. David was always a great friend and I will miss him. Regretfully I procrastinated and didn’t get to call him before it was too late. RIP David! You will be missed by all.
The first time I met David, I brought him a bottle of Amon Ra Cabernet Savignon. From there, we always shared a love of a good red wine and food together. For the past 15 years, David began and continued to be an avid supporter to me and took me in as one of his own. Even in spite of our stubborn natures, we always found a way to love each other and find coming ground.
The things I will always remember fondly of him will be his direct nature and how he always said what he felt—I always admired this about him, even if it times I disagreed. David also always loved his family with a fury beyond human understanding and would do anything for them, especially Cheryl. There was never a time where you questioned his love and devotion to her—I will always appreciate being given the opportunity to know this of him. And lastly, David lived—out loud and with intention. He loved to travel, he appreciated good food, good wine/cocktails, loved to laugh and recollect his fondest memories and moments, and most importantly, he valued quality time with those who meant the most to him. He was his own person and live as authentically as any one person could.
In 15 years, he never failed to tell me he loved me, and he never failed to tell me how much he loved his grandson, Colton. It was an honor to know him and be loved by him and I will always be grateful for the time I had with him.
Rest in peace, David. I know wherever you are you’ve got a great glass of wine and will be smiling down on all of us. Thank you for all of your lessons, support, and always being there for me and Colton. You will always be missed—of this I am certain.
With love and gratitude,
Brittany
Mr. Irons, as I knew him, was one of the greatest dad’s from my circle of friends that I have ever known.
This dates way back to when I became lifelong friends with Chris “Ray” and the rest of the family. We grew up in the small town of Muscle Shoals where Chris and I were weekend regulars, always hanging out, going to each other’s house, always into something 🙂 I have had the great privilege of having many great conversations with Mr. irons through the years, be they in the Shoals, at the Marina or in Florida. There was never a dull moment, he always was an amazing guy to chat with, would lend advice when needed, and was always cheerful & happy.
He, along with his adoring & wonderful wife, have raised a family anyone would be jealous and super proud of! Chris is one of my closest friends and I would do anything for he and his family.
Mr. Irons will be missed tremendously, but never forgotten.
I type these words with love,
Matt Price
(attached on the photos/videos tab is the last picture I was able to snag of us together, which was taken at Chris & Amber’s wedding, a moment I will never forget!
Sheryl, I know how close you and David were and how much time you two spent together. You were virtually inseparable. David always spoke of you with much loving kindness. I’m wishing you strength and love to get through this awful time. Nothing is more painful in life as the separation of a loved one, but we must be thankful for, the memories we shared with them, but knowing you have family to walk you through the journey like Aaron and Chris lightens the burden. May my condolences bring you and the family comfort, and may God rest his soul. My deepest condolences go out to the entire family. David’s amazing personality lives on through his and your amazing sons. David will be MISSED and REMEMBERED! Love you guys!
Mr. Irons was such an amazing person! Everytime I was around him I felt SO loved and his smile lit up a room. He made everyone feel special and loved with his whole heart.
My condolences go out to his amazing family.
Love,
Helen Price
David was an effective and excellent colleague which is where we first met. He worked hard all his life and got the job done. And he made sure he had fun with coworkers at the same time.
More importantly, 40 years later he had become a lifelong friend. Though we were 2,000 miles apart, David never failed to reach out if too much time passed to see how I and my family were doing. He’d be sure to bring me up to date on all the good things he loved about and shared with Cheryl and his children, grandchildren.
When I was going through a rough patch, he sent me a illustrated quote of Winston Churchill’s: “When you’re going through hell just keep on going.” David was remarkable in his strenth and courage battling his health issues right to the end. David kept on going, never giving up despite the burden whether it involved business, his family, or his wellbeing. I will miss my good friend and am confident he’s made it to salvation and is at peace. God bless Cheryl and all who knew and loved him.
David married my best friend Cheryl about 45 years ago so I’ve known him for years. He has always been opinionated but thoughtful and kind. Always wanting to be sure he showed you a good time if you came to see them and loved to live every day to the fullest. We enjoyed great conversations about life and family and he was always there to listen to your thoughts as well as his own. He loved Cheryl and his family, and he made sure he told you so. A generous, loving, strong willed guy you could not help but love. David, we will miss you.
David was a good friend to our family. We know he will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to the family.
I was fortunate to meet Mr. Irons through my friendship Chris. Each time I had the pleasure of seeing him, he was always kind and welcoming.
When we saw him at Chris and Amber’s wedding in October 2021, I made sure to introduce my wife and son, Christopher, to him. He had a big smile on his face as we approached, and made it a point to let me know he remembered me, even though it had been years since he’d last seen me. He shook my hand firmly, and generously thanked me for being there. He then proceeded to take the time to make my wife and son feel especially welcome despite there being a line of people waiting to say hello to him.
I guess what I’m saying is that that’s the type of guy he was. The type that wanted you to know you mattered regardless of how long it had been, or how busy the day might be. He was a true gentleman. I know he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.