It is with deep sadness yet great joy that we announce the passing of Ireland Daniel McWhorter, 89, into his heavenly home on December 5, 2022. He closed his eyes from this life and opened them in the presence of his Heavenly Father, Christ Jesus. An encounter he had lived his whole adult life to achieve.

He was instantaneously reunited with his wife, Patty, his beloved granddaughter Megan White, and precious great-granddaughter Marlo Sanburn. But most importantly, he saw his Savior, Jesus, face to face.

We imagine he was also quickly reunited with his parents, George and Sally McWhorter, his brothers, Ben and George McWhorter, along with his sisters Doris Jones, Reba Fryman, and Joyce Gregory.

Ireland was born on August 31, 1933, and grew up in Albany, KY, on a tobacco farm with 9 brothers and sisters. Surviving siblings are Barbara Grayer, Trafalgar, IN, Joan Caylor, New Castle, IN, Dot Hurt, Albany, KY, and Jim McWhorter, Albany KY. As a young man, he traveled North where he worked first as an electrician at a trailer factory near New Castle, IN, before hiring in with Chrysler Corp in Kokomo. Thirty-eight years later he retired, and his full-time life of grandparenting, fishing and ministry began.

He held many positions within his church affiliations because he had an incredible servants heart. For years he and several friends sang and ministered to the inmates at the Pendleton penitentiary. He attended Full Gospel Businessmen’s fellowship back in the day, and from day one had been an active table leader with the Men’s HUDDLE Ministry that meets weekly at the Kokomo YMCA. He also enjoyed serving on Kokomo Great Banquet teams, but especially loved serving the people of Northern Ireland on a ‘Way’ team a few years back. But fishing and gardening held a very special place in his heart.

His daily routine began with meeting friends and anyone new at the Sycamore McDonald’s. He then greeted and shared his love of life and faith with those he would encounter around the many tables at the Cross America Community Center. He never knew a stranger and made it his mission to be sure all he came into contact with was ‘ready’ to meet the Lord. His enthusiasm about his faith was infectious and those who met him wanted what he had. His life and actions are an example in how to live without regret, and how to never leave words unsaid with those you love.

reland loved his family fiercely and fully. He leaves behind daughters Mona White (Rex) and Crystal Sanburn (Dick II). Grandchildren Nolan Sanburn (Rachel), Abby Hughes (Brandon), Parker Sanburn, Laura White, Connor Sanburn and Morgan White. Great grandchild Pryor Sanburn was a delight to him.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, December 13th, at 1 pm, at Cross America Community Center, 840 Daniel Dr., Kokomo. Friends may call at Cross America from 11 am to the time of service. Donations may be made in his memory to Cross America Community Center. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

If Ireland were speaking with you today, he would tell you NOT to miss Heaven! ❤️

His service and memorial can be viewed online here https://www.shirleyandstout.com/obituary/Ireland-McWhorter.

Memorial donations made in honor of Mac’s life provided the opportunity for the family to send out 4,716 with a path to salvation to all the households in Albany, Kentucky 42602 where Mac was born and raised.