Obituary: Gregory Irons

Gregory Irons, age 61, of Oak Ridge, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, surrounded by family and friends.

He was born March 19, 1952, in East St. Louis, Ill., to the late Eddie D. Irons and Verdya Mae Avery Irons.

Mr. Irons served in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He worked at Y-12 for several years. He was a member of the St. Rest Church in Guys, Tenn. He relocated to Oak Ridge in 1981.

Gregory was preceded in death by his parents and loving wife of 38 years, Minnie Lee Washington Irons.

He leaves to cherish his fond memories: daughters, Celeste Gresham of St. Louis, Mo., Dawnya Montgomery (Tony) of Cahokia, Ill., Anita Cox of St. Louis, Mo., and Jasmine Irons of Oak Ridge.; sons, Antoine Smith of Belleville, Ill., and Tyrone Irons (Kelli) of Oak Ridge; special cousins, Nathan Irons (Mary), Ann Durr (Paul) of Guys, Tenn., and Ann Irons of Nashville, Tenn.; 13 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family received friends on Monday, Jan. 20, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Weatherford Mortuary. The funeral followed at 11:30 a.m. with the Rev. Walter L. Ghosten, Oak Valley Baptist Church, officiating and Rev. Hardil Thomas assisting. Family and friends gathered on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E. Gov. John Sevier Hwy 168, Knoxville, TN 37920 for a graveside service. Military honors were provided by the Tennessee National Guard.

The family would like to express their heart-felt appreciation to all that have called, visited, and prayed for the Irons family.

Weatherford Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.