The passing of Irene McCrary is a loss that reaches far beyond Republican politics. For me and my family, Irene was much more than a political colleague or a fellow Republican. She was a family friend—someone whose life and friendship were woven into the story of my family for many years.
When I ran for Knox County Republican Party Chair in 2005, Irene McCrary ran alongside me as my Vice Chair. Together, we worked to strengthen our party and move the Republican Party forward.
In 2007, Irene became my successor as Chair of the Knox County Republican Party, serving from 2007 through 2009. I was proud to see her step into that leadership role. She understood the importance of organization, service, and commitment to the Republican Party and to the people of Knox County.
But long before politics, there was friendship.
Irene knew my parents when they were dating. That is the kind of connection that makes her passing especially personal to me and my family. She wasn’t simply someone I worked with in Republican politics—she was someone who knew my family and was part of our family story.
Irene was also active in churches where my cousin, Elnora Anderson, served as pianist. Those connections through faith and family are reminders of how intertwined our lives can become over the years.
Now, Chair McCrary joins Elnora, my mother, Wanda Lou Blake Hornback, and so many other family members and friends who have gone on before us to Glory.
While our hearts are heavy, I find comfort in knowing that Irene’s journey here on earth is complete, and I pray she has been welcomed into the eternal home we all hope to share one day.
Irene McCrary leaves behind a legacy of friendship, faith, family, and service.
For me, she will always be remembered as the woman who stood beside me when I ran for Knox County Republican Party Chair in 2005, the leader who followed me as Chair, and, most importantly, as a dear family friend whose life touched generations.
Rest in peace, Chair McCrary.
You served well. You loved well. And you will be remembered.
Until we meet again.
Brian Hornback
*You would think I would have pictures of Irene and I serving between 2005-2007, however, I haven’t gotten my hands on them in the past day or two, if you have any be sure and send them to me, text, email, USPS all acceptable.
