Passed from labor to reward November 7, 1945. In him the Church had one of her most faithful and efficient ministers. There are many left to sorrow because of his going; and by the hundreds they will call him blessed who were saved under his ministrations. His genial spirit won for him many friends, and his great ability as a preacher made him more than a success in the ministry.

He was born in Tishomingo County, Mississippi, January 9, 1861. He was married to Donna Olivia Hamilton of Humboldt, Tennessee, in 1882. To them were born five children--three boys and two girls: D. W. of Friendship, Tennessee; Rev. G. C. of Cookeville, Tennessee; Rev. G. P. of Dyer, Tennessee; Mrs. H. E. Ball and Mrs. H. V. Roy of Nashville, Tennessee. There are several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs. McIlwain preceded him to the better land a number of years, after which he married Mrs. Donie Wyatt of Yorkville, Tennessee, who survives him.

He became a probationer for the ministry in Hopewell Presbytery in 1885 and was later ordained by that presbytery. When Hopewell Presbytery was divided and Obion Presbytery was formed, he became a member of that presbytery and remained there, active and efficient--never missing a meeting until the infirmities of age weighted him down.

Though younger, he was closely associated with my father in revival work and he preached Father's funeral. He was older than I, but we were fast friends and held many revivals together. I pay him this tribute because I knew him and loved him. Truly one of God's noblemen has passed to his reward.

His funeral was conducted by Rev. S. L. Noel, and his body sleeps in the cemetery at Dyer, where he lived. God's blessings be upon his that remain; and may his lifework go on through the two boys who follow him in the ministry. My feelings are expressed in the following precious words: "I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them" (Rev. 14: 13).--W. H. McLeskey.
[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, November 22, 1945, page 19]