Albert Dean Jimmerson

Services for Albert Dean Jimmerson, 75, will be at 2 PM Wednesday at Indian Hills Baptist Church in Grand Prairie. Arrangements are under the direction of Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home - Belt Line location, where visitation with the family will be held on Tuesday, 6 – 8:30 PM. Albert Jimmerson was born Dec. 20, 1936, in Dirgin Community, Rusk County, Texas. He passed away on Friday after a sudden illness, surrounded by his family. Al made his career as a truck driver at Red Ball Motor Freight. When the company closed in 1982, he was determined to maintain his retirement benefits by working as a “temporary” at other freight lines, often pulling double shifts on an as-needed basis. Several years later, he successfully retired from the freight and trucking industry, and decided to get some exercise reading water meters. Because of his hard work ethic, he soon gained the respect and esteem of his co-workers. The “little part-time job” quickly developed into a full time position at the City of Grand Prairie, where he continued to work until June 29, 2012. His collection of model eighteen-wheelers from various freight lines and trucking companies showed he never lost his fascination with trucks. And his white pick-up truck, signed on the dash by Jack Roush, was his pride and joy! Al was a devoted Christian who loved his Lord. He had close friendships with many members of the two churches he attended, Indian Hills Baptist Church and South Park Baptist Church, both in Grand Prairie. After church, he and his wife, Marilyn, were frequent patrons at Theo’s Grill. Al also enjoyed Gospel concerts and Christian country music. Church members were pleasantly surprised to learn recently that he enjoyed singing special music in church. Outside of church and work, Al (or “Gramps” as his grandchildren called him) loved being with his family. Marilyn spent the past three and a half years spoiling him as only the best wife could – he was truly a king in his own castle, and he cherished his queen. He, in turn, happily indulged and pampered her and together their hearts thrived as one, an example of the most fulfilled marriage. He loved his two boys, Michael and Jeff, with all his heart, and was so proud of both of them. He treated each of his step-children -- Gayla, Eddie, Jessica, John and Stacy (and their spouses) -- as his own. None could ever doubt his devotion to the well-being of his kids. The grandchildren spent hours “playing” with Gramps – he took great delight in teasing them! As they grew up, he proudly praised their accomplishments and lent his support by attending many awards ceremonies, musical concerts, dance programs, and baseball/softball games. He purposely made special memories with each one of them. In his spare time, Gramps enjoyed working in his yard and his vegetable garden. He took great pride in planting beautiful flowers and taking care of his and Marilyn’s abundant plants. He was always pleased to share his fresh produce with friends and neighbors – even with his physicians at times! No one grew green beans and fresh tomatoes like Gramps, and he patiently taught the grandchildren to dig new potatoes. Whether shaping relationships or gardens, he was a most excellent cultivator and nurturer. When relaxing, you could find Gramps in his recliner, cheering on his favorite teams – the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. A team jersey or tickets to a game were always his favorite gifts. Al was a genuinely special man with a generous heart. Many admired his integrity and devotion. He will be remembered for his instant smile and exemplary work ethic. He left us much too early, and will be sorely missed. But he left us with a legacy as he taught us the richness of living in contentment. It has been said that Al really knew how to “Do Life Well.” Al is survived by his wife, Marilyn Jimmerson of Grand Prairie; sisters, Betty Mayden of Grand Prairie, Opaline Wallace, and Mary Bridges of Henderson; brother, William F. Jimmerson of Tyler; sons, Michael Jimmerson of Albuquerque, and Jeff Jimmerson of Grand Prairie; step-children, Gayla & Steve Weatherford of Flower Mound, Eddie & Bobbie McDaniel of Longview, Jessica Gonzalez of Grand Prairie, John & Gena English of Euless, and Stacy & Jeff Grindstaff of Phoenix; fourteen grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Indian Hills Baptist Church or South Park Baptist Church building fund, both in Grand Prairie.