David R. Irwin
David R. Irwin, 93, passed away peacefully Sept. 29, 2025, at his home of more than 62 years in Clinton.
He was born Jan. 3, 1932, in Union County, to Glenn G. and Ruth Rice Irwin. As a child, David and his family were relocated twice — 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 were married Feb. 16, 1963, and shared 50 wonderful years together, building a family grounded in faith, hard work and devotion.
A lifelong farmer, David operated 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 skilled woodworker who crafted many beautiful pieces of furniture for his home. He hand-carved birds and other intricate works and became especially known among family and friends for creating customized boxes designed to safeguard their most cherished memories.
He 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.
He 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 (Sara) Meyer and Will (Molly) Meyer; 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.
A funeral was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home, followed by interment at Norris Memorial Gardens. Family and friends attended a reception at the Museum of Appalachia afterward.
Pallbearers were Katherine Buhl, Joseph Buhl, Mark Irwin, John Meyer, Will Meyer and Hector Padilla.
Memorial contributions may be made in David’s honor to the Museum of Appalachia, P.O. Box 1189, Norris, TN 37828.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home is proud to have served the Irwin family.
holleygamble.com