Mr. Henry Whiting McIlwaine Jr.

Henry Whiting McIlwaine, age 90, of Knoxville, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 8, 2017. He was the only child of Henry Whiting and Emma Carson McIlwaine who lived at 1705 Clinch Ave, the current Ronald McDonald House. As a youth, Henry enjoyed collecting a variety of items from snake skins to arrowheads. He graduated from Knoxville High School and attended the University of Tennessee where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He served his country as a PFC in the Army Air Corps training as a tail gunner on a B29 and as a 2nd lieutenant with the Transportation Corps of the US Army. (Henry was able to capture much of the beauty of the Arctic region with his Bolex video camera.) Henry was quite the marksman, winning numerous awards and trophies for his sharp shooting abilities. He was also very successful professionally as a stockbroker for over 30 years. In his free time, Henry enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, water skiing, kayaking and tennis. Over the years, he created a stunning flower garden complete with a waterfall cascading over 40 feet from top to bottom. His garden was a highlight of the Dogwood Arts Festival and was showcased on the TV show, Rebecca's Garden. Henry was a devoted husband and father to his three daughters. He was active at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church as the Chairman of the diaconate and later as an elder who served on the Missions Board. He has been a member of West Hills Presbyterian Church for the last 16 years. He was also a member of the Men's Cotillion, Men's Garden Club (past president), Romeo (Retired Old Men Eating Out), Crippled and Crazies, Sertoma Club (past president) and a Master Gardener from UT. Henry was very generous with his time and his money to a variety of organizations. Henry is preceded in death by his parents Henry Whiting McIlwaine,Sr and Emma Carson McIlwaine and his wife of 60 years, Sandra McIlwaine. He leaves behind his loving daughters, Gwen M Johnson (Curt) Katherine Waitman (Lon) and Dr. Mary Kris McIlwaine (Averill Cate); grandchildren Christina Solis (Selvin), Matt Johnson, Erica Lima (Sostenes), Ashley, Hannah, Zachary and Benjamin Johnson; and great grandchildren Alexander Solis and Iris Lima. The family gives special thanks to the faithful caregivers who provided excellent daily care. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 15, 2017, at West Hills Presbyterian Church, 7600 Bennington Drive, Knoxville, TN 37909 with Reverend John McKenzie officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to West Hills Presbyterian Missions Committee. Online condolences may be extended at www.rosemortuary.com. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.

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Mr. Henry Whiting McIlwaine Jr.

May 3, 1926 - April 8, 2017