John Johnny Franklin McWhorter

He was born to William J. and Sarah R. McWhorter near the community of Goforth, TX in Hays County. His father died December 5, 1907 twenty-four days before Johnny was born. He had two sisters and five brothers all who pre-deceased him.

His mother and older brothers moved the family to Bastrop County when he was very young. He has been a resident of the String Prairie and Smithville community for nearly his lifetime.

Johnny’s beloved wife Agnes McWhorter died in 1988. They lived in String Prairie where Agnes taught school and Johnny farmed and ranched. He drove the school bus for Smithville ISD for 16 years and prided himself in never having an accident. They moved to Smithville after the school closed in String Prairie.

He was baptized in the Colorado River at a young age and was a member of First Baptist Church in Smithville. Johnny loved to play dominoes and helped organize the Smithville Domino Parlor in the 50’s. One surviving domino player said, “He could kill a double six in a minute.”

Johnny has resided at the Towers Nursing Home in Smithville for five and a half years. This was a choice he made after going there for rehab due to a fall. He enjoyed the staff and many had ridden his bus or they had Ms. Agnes as a teacher.

He enjoyed visiting, re-calling may events and sharing stories. He was still sharing memories until a few days prior to his death.

As he and Agnes had no children of their own, they loved and cared for each one that came into their lives. Many nieces, nephews and friends survive him. Margaret Ann Hanna, niece was their “adopted daughter.” When Margaret married they now had a son-in-law, G. L. Hanna. As their sons Mike, Glenn and Kirk were born, Agnes and Johnny now had grandsons to enjoy. He will always be missed and loved, but we all have wonderful memories that he and Agnes gave to us.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 3, 2012 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Marrs-Jones Funeral Home in Smithville.

Funeral Services will be at the First Baptist Church in Smithville Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 10:00 AM with burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Smithville.

In lieu of flowers memorials requested to String Prairie Community Center, P.O. Box 142 Rosanky, TX 78953-0142