Jimmy Dale Lessley

Jimmy Dale Lessley, 64, was born on October 24, 1961, in Ruleville, Mississippi, and "logged out of service" on June 24, 2026.

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 ServicesTexas ServiceSaturday, August 8, 2026Visitation: 12:00–2:00 p.m.Service: 2:00 p.m.Woodland Hills Baptist Church2105 SH-281 Loop NLongview, TX 75605Mississippi/Louisiana ServiceSaturday, August 15, 2026Visitation: 12:00–2:00 p.m.Service: 2:00 p.m.First Baptist Church150 D’Evereaux DriveNatchez, MS 39120