Jimmy Dale Lessley

Jimmy was the son of the late Margaret Lucille Wright Lessley and Earl Lessley, Jr.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years, Vivian Green Lessley; his sons, Buford Lessley and wife Amanda of Pearl, Mississippi, and Alex Lessley and wife Ashton of Palestine, Texas; his cherished grandson, J.T. Lessley of Pearl, Mississippi; his nephew, Nick Cross of Kilgore, Texas; his special cousins, James Donald and Darlene Stepp of Lockport, Louisiana; his lifelong friends, William Waters, Gary Gossett, and Mack Knapp; and many other beloved family members, friends, and colleagues.

Jimmy was welcomed into Heaven by his parents; his beloved daughter, Jae Dee; and his siblings, Dyanne Lessley, Helen Lessley Hampton, Earl Lessley III, and Daniel Paul Lessley.

Jimmy was a man of many talents and an unmatched work ethic. He spent his life farming, hauling agricultural products, and transporting petroleum-based products. There wasn't a piece of equipment he couldn't operate, and no challenge he wouldn't tackle. Whenever someone doubted whether something could be done, Jimmy's answer was always the same: "Give me five minutes!"

In 2011, Jimmy founded Lessley Services. Through determination, integrity, and countless hours of hard work, the company grew to a fleet of one hundred and ten trucks by 2014. He proudly lived by the motto, "We not the best there is, but there ain't “none better”." Those words became more than a company slogan—they reflected the pride he took in his work and the standard he expected of himself.

In 2014, Jimmy and his sons began Lessley & Sons, a milestone that brought him tremendous pride. Working alongside Buford and Alex meant more to him than any business success ever could. Even while spending long hours on the road, family remained his greatest priority.

Throughout his career, Jimmy earned the respect of countless people in the oil and transportation industries. His knowledge seemed endless, and he never hesitated to share it with someone eager to learn. Whether offering advice, lending a hand, or encouraging a friend, Jimmy believed in helping others succeed. He never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to see the good in everyone he encountered.

Jimmy will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, respected businessman, loyal friend, and a man whose generosity, wisdom, humor, and work ethic left a lasting impression on all who knew him. His legacy will live on through the family he loved, the business he built, and the countless lives he touched. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, peers, customers, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Celebration of Life Services

Texas Service

Saturday, August 8, 2026

Visitation: 12:00–2:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Woodland Hills Baptist Church

2105 SH-281 Loop N

Longview, TX 75605

Mississippi/Louisiana Service

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Visitation: 12:00–2:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

First Baptist Church

150 D’Evereaux Drive

Natchez, MS 39120

A Note from the Family

A memory box will be available at each service. If you have a favorite memory of Jimmy that you would like to share, paper and pens will be provided. We would be honored if you would write down your memory and place it in the box so our family can read and treasure it for years to come.

Please know how deeply our family appreciates every phone call, text message, email, prayer, and expression of love and support.

Our hearts are broken. We know you will miss Jimmy, and we know he cared deeply for each and every one of you. Thank you for walking alongside us during this difficult time.

Please Note: We are deeply grateful for the love and support shown during this difficult time. If you would like to send flowers, we kindly ask that they be delivered directly to Woodland Hills Baptist Church on August 8th, OR First Baptist Church of Natchez on August 15th as memorial services will be held at each location. Please note that the flower link included in the obituary directs deliveries to the funeral home, where services will not be taking place. Thank you for helping ensure your thoughtful tribute reaches the correct location.