Thomas Lee McWhorter, 80, departed life on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville, N.C., following a brief illness.

He was born on September 10, 1943, to the late Celestina White Houpe and the late L.B. McWhorter. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Pamela Farrar; a son-in-law, Garry Blackwood; and a grandson, Shawn Holmes.

Thomas was employed by Bernhardt Furniture of Statesville, Statesville Flour Mill and H&B Lumber. He was a very loving person, and there wasn’t anyone he wouldn’t hug. His favorite team was the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he loved his Mt. Dew, spaghetti, cheeseburgers, and Snickers bars.

Those left to cherish his memory are Geneva Farrar; three daughters, Debbie Rucker (Gary), Annetta Blackwood, and Gracie Swint; one son, Jimmy Farrar; grandchildren, Brandan Green, Travis Green, Jennifer Farrer, Alexis Cauthen, Jasmine Cauthen, Jacobie Cauthen, LaPaul Cauthen, and Tyreek Holmes; great-grandchildren, Fayth Rosby, Dominic Green, Zydasia James, Brian Rosby, Ahmir Holmes, Kyrianna Pless, and Trinity James; and a host of other grandchildren, cousins, relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 5 p.m. at Word of Life Church, 2033 Rayon Street, Statesville, NC 28677 with Bishop Aljamal Stephens officiating.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the McWhorter family.