With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Thomas Joel McWhirter on April 2, 2024, in the loving embrace of his family. Born on June 9, 1947, in Wolfe City, TX, Tom was the cherished son of Nonnie and Wayne McWhirter. He found lifelong love with his high school sweetheart, Iris Carol, whom he married on May 31, 1969.
Tom’s life was a testament to love, dedication, and hard work. He was a pillar of strength as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, bringing joy to every gathering as the life of the party. His unwavering commitment to his family was matched only by his tireless work ethic.
Among his passions, Tom discovered a newfound love for pickleball, sharing the court with Carol three times a week. He took great pride in supporting his grandchildren in their many endeavors, and was always their biggest, and loudest fan!
Tom earned his bachelor’s degree in the engineering field from Texas A&M University and was a loyal member of the Corp of Cadets. Tom always embodied the spirit of the “Fightin’ Texas Aggie” throughout his life. After earning his master’s degree in marketing at The University of North Texas, Tom and Carol embarked on a journey together, settling in Carrollton, where they built a thriving label printing business for over thirty-five years before retiring in 2008.
Active in his community, Tom was a respected member of The Rotary Club of Carrollton, where he held various leadership roles, including President and Vice President. Alongside Carol, he cultivated a passion for collecting, particularly American Brilliant Cut Glass, showcasing their prized collection in their Heath home. Their shared interests extended to their involvement in the American Cut Glass Association, where Tom served as Southern Director and played a pivotal role in hosting two national conventions in Rockwall. Tom also received the ACGA President’s Award for Lifetime Service.
In his leisure time, Tom found joy in breeding Lady Gouldian Finches and nurturing his collection of Japanese Koi, which he and Carol acquired during their global travels. Their adventures allowed them to experience the wonders of the world together, fostering memories that Carol will always cherish.
Tom and Carol celebrated fifty-four years of marriage, blessed with the love of their daughters, Chelsea Doyen (Jerome) of Crowley, and Heather Marshall (John) of Rockwall, along with grandchildren Caden, Mason, Zoe, and Remy. Tom is preceded in death by his infant brother, John Wayne, and his parents, Wayne and Nonnie McWhirter.
A visitation, service, and graveside ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 6th, 2024, at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Wolfe City, Texas. Family and friends are invited to join in honoring Tom’s life, with visitation beginning at 1 pm, followed by the service at 2 pm, both at the cemetery chapel, and a brief graveside ceremony thereafter
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Diabetes Association.
Carol, prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this very difficult time.
Carol, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless you all.
Carol, so many memories of you and Tom, even though I was just a little kid. Enjoyed watching both of you play basketball and just a few days ago remembered both of you at our house at Linda’s Christmas party. I thought it so cool that Tom customized the grill of his 57 with cabinet door handles. So sorry for your loss.
Carol, my heart breaks for you, your girls and grandchildren. I just pray for God’s comfort and strength for you in the coming days I know no words can ease your grief, but you are definitely in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol, we were devastated to learn the heartbreaking news of Tommy’s passing. You and your entire family are in our prayers for comfort and peace. We love you Carol.
So sorry.
Carol and Tom were 1-12 school friends of Ron and me. We lived in Carrollton at the same time they were there. Lots of great memories!
My heart is broken for you and your family. No one understands the loss of a husband better than I do. I am going to try to come down Saturday. You are in my thoughts & prayers, Carol.
Dear Carol, our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. Sending you His blessings for peace, strength & comfort in your loss as you cherish the beautiful memories you & Tom made in your life together!
So very sorry to read about Tommy’s passing. My heart goes out to you Carol and Family. Orpha
Carol, you are in my thoughts & prayers in this most difficult time. So many wonderful memories playing pickleball with you and Tom. He had such a great sense of humor and we all will indeed miss him on the courts. I hope you will continue to play when you are ready, RCC PB friends forever ♥️
Call me anytime
Carol are thoughts and prayers are with you. I will sorely miss seeing Tom out in the backyard with Bella working tirelessly on his beautiful yard.
Erich and Becky Wynn
Carol, I am so sorry. Remembering Tom and my brother, George were good friends all through school. Playing football, basketball and whatever came along. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
My prayers are with you and your family. I am so sorry for you loss. May the God of peace be your comfort during this difficult time. Psalms 57:1
Heather, your Ham Fam Loves you and we send sympathys to you and your family in your loss. ❤
Carol, our hearts are breaking for you and your family. Prayers for you all. We cherish all the memories we shared with you and Tom many years ago. He was one of a kind.
Love you.
Carol, I was so terribly saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. I know this is an extremely difficult time for you and your family.
But I am so thankful you and Tom were able to experience so many wonderful trips and adventures! The two of you, along with your daughter’s grandchildren, created so many wonderful memories of all the fabulous places you were able to travel to. I’m so glad you have these Wonderful memories and will not experience “ I wish we had…”!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Tom made life better wherever he went. He will be so missed.
Thank you Lynne. Love you.
Tom was a good friend and ACGA will really miss him. My prayers are with Carol and the family.
Thank you Steve for your kind words. Hope to see you in St. Louis….
Iris (didn’t know you as Carol) – wanted to extend my sympathy to you and your family at Tom’s passing. Played many a basketball game against Tom and Wolfe City. From reading his obituary it’s obvious you two shared a wonderful life together!
So good to hear from you! Thank you for your kind words. Wondered many times where you were through the years…
After the army and college I moved to Pennsylvania but always retuned “home”. I often stopped by Owens and asked about you. Wonder if Weldon English and Linda are still together?
Yes they are! I talk with them frequently. Are you on Facebook?
No – never got into the social media network.
Tom was a terrific man in many ways. We were fortunate to have met Tom. Our prayers are with you and your family.