Irland McCormick

Irland Faye McCormick, 88, formerly of Llano and Big Spring,Texas died in his daughters home in Junction surrounded by all of his Girls. He lost a good, good fight with Cancer. He died pain free and peacefully with the help of his Hospice Team.

He was born in Big Spring and met the love of his life, Jueldeen Thompson, in their High School Algebra class. He began walking her home from school. They were married on August 19, 1950; both at the age of 16. They remained lovingly devoted for 63 years, at the time of her passing.

Irland  was called up to serve his Country in the Korean War with the United States Army. He left his young bride while she was expecting their first child. He was born while Irland was still engaged in Korea. During his time with the Army he received several Achievement awards for outstanding service. He returned home and began his long career with The Federal Government as a Civil Servant. He refueled the “Screaming T-37 and T38’s on the Flight line at Webb Air Force Base. Upon its closure he was transferred to Keesler AFB at Biloxi, Ms. Later he transferred to Goodfellow AFB at San Angelo, Tx. Then retiring after 30 plus years of distinguished service.

Irland was also a Country Western/ Swing Singer & Electric Bassist. He played many years with Hoyle and Jody Nix at the Stampede in Big Spring. On intermissions he would dance with his wife Jueldeen and several of the other Band members wives. He sang his last song on August 10, 2021 “You are my Sunshine” to his great great granddaughter Kenlee.

He never met a stranger and was known for his sweet smile and quick wit. He could always bring humor to any situation, He never lost that ability, even when in pain and dying.

Irland was also known as ”Mac”, “Dad” and “Popa”. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry L. and Mexia V. McCormick of Big Spring. His Brother Homer Snodgrass of Arizona, and his Sister, Dolores Watts of Texas.

He and Jueldeen raised their three children in Big Spring.  He is survived by Mikical Irland McCormick and wife Karen of Weatherford, Texas. Ricky Dean McCormick and wife Betty of Brookshire, Texas and Judy Pat McCormick Lemcke of Junction, Texas. He has eight Grandchildren: Aaron Bellinghausen and wife Katie of Texas, Traci Hamlin and husband Duncan of Azle, Texas, Megan and Husband of California; Candice McCormick of College Station, Emma McCormick of Brookshire, Texas; Lisa Brown and husband Tim of Utah, Wacey Holladay and wife Trisha of North Carolina, Julee Holladay of Junction, Texas. He has 11 Great Grandchildren: Mia and Allie Bellinghausen, Luke Hamlin; Tighe Brown, Olivia Brown; Matthew Eckhardt, Lydia Lufkin, Katie Holladay, Ellison Holladay, Everett Holladay; Keilee St Clair and Jolee Heinsohn. 1 Great-Great Granddaughter Kenlee St Clair.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory.  Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com