Virgil Wayne McWhorter

Virgil Wayne McWhorter was born October 1, 1933, in Lake Spring, Missouri. He was one of seven children born to Roby Scott and Maud Isabell (Adams) McWhorter. At the age of five, his family moved to Salem, where he grew up and attended school. On September 18, 1953, Virgil was united in marriage to Ruby Watson. Their life together took them to St. Louis and a few years later, on November 10, 1955, Virgil was drafted into the United States Army. He served his country faithfully until his honorable discharge. Virgil and Ruby were blessed with one daughter: Karen, and three grandchildren: Joshua, Hannah, and Nathaniel. He worked hard to provide for his family, dedicating thirty-five years to Kroger warehouse and then the Clayton School District until his retirement in 2000. Following retirement, they returned to Salem, sharing fifty years of lasting memories together before her passing in 2004. In 2006, the Lord brought together Virgil and Alma, uniting them in marriage on March 18, 2006. This union blended two families that meant the world to him. He was a devoted husband, loving father, caring grandfather, and proud great-grandfather. Virgil was known to his great-grandchildren as Papa Sugar and Pop. A man of deep faith, Virgil accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior in 1972 and surrendered to the ministry in 1973. He dedicated his life to serving others, preaching wherever the Lord called him, and pastoring several churches including Nineth Street Abbey, in St. Louis, and Revival Tabernacle in Salem. His commitment to his faith also led him on two missionary trips to Haiti. Virgil entered into heaven June 7, 2025, in Columbia, Missouri, at the age of ninety-one years. Those left behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife: Alma McWhorter of Salem, MO; daughter: Karen Lloyd of St. Louis, MO; sons: Curtis White and wife Wanda of Perry, MO and Dennis White and wife Gail of Ironton, MO; seven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; daughters by heart: Pam Brantley, Patty Shaver, Aly Lato, Donna Dell, and Renee Vermillion; as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding him in death were his first wife: Ruby (Watson) McWhorter; parents: Roby and Maud (Adams) McWhorter; and his siblings: Letha Parsons, Buck McWhorter, Gene McWhorter, Charles “Red” McWhorter, Edna Fitzgerald, and Peggy Route. Virgil’s life was a testament to faith, family, and service. His early years included a passion for hunting and baseball, later he truly enjoyed bush hogging. Above all, his faith and family were most important to him. His memory will be cherished by the many lives he has touched along the way. Funeral Services for Virgil Wayne McWhorter were held Thursday, June 12, 2025, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Chris Hendrix and Pastor Veronica Lato officiating. The eulogy was shared by his granddaughter Hannah. Song selections played were “He’ll Hold My Hand”, “Homesick For Heaven”, “Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone”, “Goodness of God”, and “Thank You”. Serving as Pallbearers were Mike McWhorter, Link Honeysett, Joshua Lloyd, Nathaniel Lloyd, Dustin White, and Curtis White. Honorary Pallbearer was Dennis White. Military Honors was provided by the American Legion Post 99 and United States Army. Burial was in the Morrison Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Virgil McWhorter to the Association of International Gospel Assemblies and left with Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available. Online Condolences may be left at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Virgil Wayne McWhorter

October 1, 1933 - June 7, 2025