The Big Red Barn Retreat honors the life and legacy of Leon Irons.

The Big Red Barn Retreat, established in 2014, was co-founded by Barbara Irons and Sutton Shaw to honor the memory and legacy of Leon Irons, their late husband and father.
Leon Irons was born in California, and was one of five boys born to Juanita and Cephus Irons in 1940. He attended high school in Ceres California, where he met Barbara Reeves, who would later become his wife of over 50 years. After graduating high school, he joined the Navy and served proudly for four years. It was his time in the Navy where Leon learned many of the life lessons that were a guide throughout his life and career, including the power of intense focus, teamwork, advanced leadership skills, adaptability, resourcefulness, and persistance.
After his time serving his Country, Leon began working at Sambo's Restaurants, an American restaurant chain that began in 1957 out of Santa Barbara, California. After 17 years with Sambo's Restaurant, Leon later went to work as Director of Operatoins for Village Inn Pancake House based in Denver, Colorado and later for Perkins Restaurant and Bakery based in Memphis, Tennessee. After leaving Perkins Restarants, Leon became a restaurant francisee for Churches Chicken, and later with his son, daughter, daughter-in-law, and wife opened the first Sonic Drive-In on Broad River Road in Columbia, SC. They would later go on to open over 20 more Sonic Drive-Ins through out the Midlands, as well as expand operations into Lexington, Kentucky, Greensboro, NC, and Virginia.
It was Leon's passion for growing and develping people that made him a successful entrepreneur and beloved business partner to many. Philosophically, Leon believed in providing partnership opportunties for restaurant managers, so they would benefit directly from their hardwork, be more invested in the restaurant operations and community, and in charge of their own financial future.
Sadly, Leon Irons passed away in 2009, but his legacy lives on through the good work of the Big Red Barn Retreat.