Jimmy Dale McWilliams

Jimmy Dale McWilliams

Jimmy Dale McWilliams, 75, of Orange, Texas, passed away on October 8, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 9th and Elm Church of Christ in Orange. 

Visitation will begin prior to the service at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 9th and Elm Church of Christ in Orange.

Jimmy was born in Monticello, Mississippi, on May 16, 1949, to Harold McWilliams and Frances (Miller) McWilliams. As one of 11 children, he loved his family and valued the time he was able to spend with them. Jimmy’s family moved a lot when he was growing up, but they settled in Silsbee, Texas his Senior year of high school, where he married and raised 2 children. In 1968, Jimmy joined the Air National Guard where he served as a reservist for 6 years. He enjoyed his time in the reserves often telling stories of the places he traveled to. 

He became a truck driver and worked his way up to Terminal Manager and Sales Manager. He opened several major trucking companies in Beaumont and was well known for his impressive career in the transportation sector, where he was recognized for many accomplishments, including his involvement with the Sabine District Transportation Club.

Jimmy was a jack of all trades, able to build anything and fix anything that came his way. He was a great mechanic and was always willing to help with oil changes, brake changes, engine problems and transmission issues. He loved to pass on his knowledge to anyone who wanted to learn.

Jimmy will be remembered as a loving family man whose laughter and spirit made a lasting impact on all who knew him. He was funny and outspoken, always bringing joy to those around him. Family was incredibly important to him, and he was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. To his grandchildren, he was affectionately known as "Paw Paw," a title he wore proudly. He loved to brag about their accomplishments and tell each one that they were his favorite. He showed up to as many soccer games, school events, birthday parties and graduations that he could. And loved when they would make special trips to visit him.

He had a passion for fishing, playing golf and Gold Wing motorcycles. He had several motorcycles over the years and would give anyone a ride that wanted to go. He joined the Southern Cruisers club and loved riding with the group in town and on longer trips, including a trip to ride the Tail of the Dragon through the mountains and camping in a tent along the way. He was even able to get Kris to ride with him on shorter distances, getting her a helmet with Bluetooth so they could talk to each other and listen to music while riding. The great thing about this was he had to wear a helmet, too. As you know, that was something he did not do often.

Jimmy met his loving wife and best friend Kris, 22 years ago. They were able to retire and travel for many years with their RV, making it all the way to Canada. Once they were unable to travel, they settled in Orange. One stormy night they heard crying under the shed and found a scared, wet puppy who they named Scout. Scout has been a wonderful addition to the family and was always by Jimmy’s side. He will very much miss licking Jimmy’s eggs off the plate and going for car rides with him.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his father, Harold McWilliams, brother Glenn McWilliams and father-in-law Joe Payne.

He is survived by his loving wife of 7 years after being together for a total of 22 years; Kristin Cherry; mother, Frances McWilliams; Mother-in-law Dee Payne; children, Darlene Georgas and her husband William; Jimmy McWilliams Jr; Kimberly Tidwell; Alan Cherry and his wife Dondi; grandchildren, Scott Lyle and his wife Katy, Meagan Lyle, Claire McWilliams, LCpl. Alex McWilliams, Pamela Cherry, Hannah Cherry, Gabriel Cherry, Ariana Cherry, Mikayla Cherry, Patrick Cherry, Kayme Tidwell, Joey Tidwell, and Randy Tidwell; siblings, Wayne, Sandy, Linda, Danny, Johnny, Joyce, and Judy and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation will be held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.