Robert Price Irons, Sr., 97, died November 15, 2017, at the Benjamin Borden Health Center from complications of Parkinson’s Disease.

He was born October 27, 1920, in Elkins, W.Va., a son of the late Lacy Chalmers Irons and Ethel Ninita Price Irons. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Caroline Ferguson Irons; and his brother, William Martin Irons.

Dr. Irons received his undergraduate degree in Chemistry at Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, W.Va. in 1941. The following year he entered medical school at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va., where he completed his M.D. in 1945 and his surgical internship in 1946. He served a tour of duty in the Navy from 1946 to 1949 at the U.S. Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md. and at the Veterans Hospital in Roanoke, Va. Subsequently, he served as a surgical resident at Beckley General Hospital, Beckley, W.Va. and at New York University Medical Hospital.

In 1952, Dr. Irons and his family moved to Lexington, Va., where he began his medical practice specializing in general surgery and gynecology. He was a member of the American College of Surgeons. He retired in 1992, after 40 years of practice.

Dr. Irons was a faithful member of Lexington Presbyterian Church for 65 years and served as both Deacon and Elder as well as on many church committees. His hobbies included collecting, cellaring, and enjoying fine wines from around the world, reading, music and travel.

Dr. Irons is survived by his wife, Patricia MacDonald-Irons; his daughter and son, Mary Elizabeth Irons Read and Robert Price Irons Jr. (Nancy) of Lexington; and his daughter, Margaret Susan Irons DeBerry of Greeneville, Tenn.; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Lexington Presbyterian Church, 120 S. Main Street, Lexington, Va. 24450, Kendal at Lexington Fellowship Fund, 160 Kendal Drive, Lexington, Va. 24450, or Rockbridge Area Hospice, 315 Myers Street, Lexington, Va. 24450.