Irene McCrary

On July 18, 2026, Irene Swain McCrary’s spirit untethered itself from this world and returned home to her Savior, Jesus Christ. She was 91.Born on October 22, 1934 in Williamsburg, Kentucky, Irene, the daughter of Frank and Edith Swain, was a true southern lady. After working all day in her yard planting flowers and pulling weeds, her hair and nails still looked perfect! A beautician by trade, a Southern Baptist by faith, and a Republican by the grace of God, Irene, or “Nin” as she was known amongst her family, was a kind and generous person who welcomed anyone and everyone with a smile.

She was a current member of Buffat Heights Baptist Church, and a former member of Smithwood Baptist Church and Grassy Valley Baptist Church where she was Training Union Director, Bible School Director, Youth leader, Sunday School teacher, and choir member, often performing solos.

She moved to Knoxville, Tennessee to attend beauty school, where she began the career she loved as a hairstylist, eventually opening her own salon: Irene’s Beauty Salon. Prior to that, while working at Cas Walker's in Knoxville, she met her soulmate, William (Jack) McCrary, even though he was from Kentucky too. God had plans for these two Kentucky transplants as they would soon marry and produce three children.In a time when many women were homemakers, Irene worked as a beautician, both for her family, and as a way to serve her community. She never had clients; everyone was a friend. A lifelong Republican, she proudly served in many party leadership roles, including Chairwoman of the Knox County Republican Party and later worked as an Election Judge at Shannondale and Harvest Park Early Voting.

In addition to running her own business, she was a devoted and active mother, serving as Boy Scout leader, Brownie and Girl Scout leader, and even organized the church’s softball leagues as well as coaching.  Irene was an accomplished league bowler at Fountain Lanes and Palace Lanes where she rolled several perfect games. She was also a constant gardener. Her corner at Villa Drive was perennially featured on the Dogwood Trail and was one of the best-kept yards in Knox County, earning the Fountain City Residential Beautification Award.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack McCrary; her son, Terry Lee McCrary; her parents, Frank and Edith Swain; her brothers, Lee and Howard Swain; and her sisters, Merline Andrews and Nadine Mullins.

She is survived by her children: Gary (Sue) McCrary and The Honorable Michele (Dr. Michael) Carringer; her daughter-in-law, Sharon McCrary; her grandchildren: Krista (Philip) Dishner, Dr. Christie (Grant) Carringer Lewallen, Meghan (Matt) McCrary-Davis, and Kent (Jessica) Carringer; her cherished great-grandchildren: Aiden, Adeline, and Asher Dishner; Emma Grace Lewallen; Olivia and Jack Carringer; and Eleanor Davis; her brother, Arnold (Wilma) Swain of Clinton, TN; special niece-in-law Rosie Lovely, and many loving nieces and nephews.

There are too many words, but not enough space to properly convey the impact of Irene’s life.  One of the best words to describe her, however, was loyal. Loyal to the Lord, loyal to her husband Jack, loyal to her family and friends, and loyal to her community. It takes loyalty to tend a garden,and Irene’s garden was always well tended.  Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing she is with her Savior.Irene's love, faith, and example will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her life was truly one well lived.

Receiving of friends will be at Smithwood Baptist Church, 4914 Jacksboro Pike, Knoxville TN from Noon until 2:00 PM on Saturday, July 25, 2026, with service at 2:00 PM. Irene’s nephew, Rev. Gerald Mullins, will be presiding. Graveside service will immediately follow at Greenwood Cemetery, 3500 Tazewell Pike, Knoxville, TN.  Pallbearers: Kent Carringer, Grant Lewallen, Greg Mullins, Philip Dishner, Aiden Dishner and Matt Davis. Honorary: Rev. Gerald Mullins, Randall Andrews, Charlie Andrews, Tim Swain, Eddie Swain and great-grandsons Jack Carringer and Asher Dishner.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation for Irene’s special caregivers: Kristen Wallace, Jasmine Blevins, Arielle Whitson, Amber McCarter, and Alisha Curtis. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sacred Ground Hospice House, 865-659-2606, sacredgroundhospicehouse.com.  Condolences may be expressed at www.mynattfh.com.