Dale Ray Wilkins

Dale Ray Wilkins went to be with the Lord on August 14, 2021, at the age of 68, surrounded by his family and friends. A funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, August 28, at Grace Gardens Funeral Home, 8220 Woodway Dr, Waco, Texas 76712.  A visitation with the family will be 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, August 27, 2021, at Grace Gardens.

Dale was born in Waco to Thelma and Lovie Wilkins on January 23, 1953.  Dale was the youngest of five siblings all hailing from Waco. He attended Lorena High School in Waco. Upon graduation, he briefly worked on the MKT Railroad as a brakeman and then went on to work for Texas Instruments. Eventually, he transitioned to work for L3 Communications (formerly Raytheon) as a material planner and fiberglass supervisor from which he retired in 2015 after 33 years. He was a loving father, son, brother, uncle and grandpa. Dale was also a cherished and loving friend to many, including several of his neighbors who became like family to him. His most loved hobbies were fishing and hunting.  He was also a dedicated and passionate coach for his daughters’ youth sports teams. He enjoyed riding his Harley with his buddies all over Texas and always took the time to watch God paint the evening sky. Dale was also a Texas Rangers baseball fan and attended as many games as he could after his retirement.  Most of all, he loved and cherished his daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren, and spent time making sure every single one of them knew how loved they were.  Dale was the kind of man who would give the shirt off of his back to help people, even those whom he did not know. He was thoughtful and thankful for what and who he had in his life. Dale was a simple and traditional man who also knew the Lord well and enjoyed attending Top Hand Cowboy Church in Valley Mills.

He is survived by his daughters Melanie Fields and husband Russell Fields of Royse City, Alicia Wilkins of Princeton, and Laura DeBord and husband Clayton DeBord of Mansfield; brothers Kenneth Wilkins and wife Rachel of Waco, Rickey Wilkins and wife Gail of Lakeside Village; grandsons Jordan Cano, Ethan Cano, Reece Fields, Grayson Fields and Easton DeBord; as well as numerous nieces and great nieces and nephews.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; sister Jorene Anderson and husband Andy of Channelview; and brother James Wilkins of Waco, Texas.