Jesse Carroll Willcox III, 87, of Hemphill, passed away on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Legacies Nursing and Rehab in Hemphill. Jesse was born on September 25, 1937, in Beaumont,, to Jessie Carroll Willcox Jr. and Alice Lee Kight Willcox. He honorably served his country as a member of the United States Army. After earning his bachelor's degree, he worked for many years as an electrical engineer in refineries before retiring.

A longtime resident of Beaumont, Jesse was a member and Honorary Deacon of Cathedral in the Pines. In 2017, he moved to Sabine County and became a member of Fairdale Baptist Church. His faith was central to his life, and he dedicated himself to numerous ministries over the years, including Saturday Morning Prayer and Breakfast for 15 years, the Truck Stop Ministry in Beaumont, Bill Glass Prison Ministry, One Day with God Prison Ministry, Local Prison Ministry, Project and Street Ministry, Military Ministry during the Gulf War, and Road to Emmaus.

Jesse was a lifetime member of the NRA and TSRA and a member of the Gideons. He enjoyed walking and reading God's word and loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Above all else, he cherished his God and his loving wife, Shirley.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Shirley Jean Willcox of Hemphill; stepdaughter, Sheila Person and husband, Jerry, of Hemphill; stepson, Dwayne Maricle and wife, Rachel, of Silsbee; brother, Pudge Willcox and wife, Kay, of Anahuac; sister-in-law, Marsha Willcox of Anahuac; cousin, Denise White; numerous nieces and nephews; grandchildren Tracie, Travis, Chris, Jessie, Nicole, Jodi, Shawne, Brandon, Doc, and Amanda; along with many great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by daughters, Rhonda Doucet and Kathy Baldwin; stepdaughter, Pamela Doucet; brother, Ben Thomas Willcox; and nephew, Karl Totzer Jr.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Fairdale Baptist Church under the direction of Starr Funeral Home with Bro. J.R. McDonald and Bro. Paul Swearington officiating.

Burial will followed at Mt. Sinai Cemetery with Jerry Person, Dusty Wendel, Jake Mitchell, Regina Martin, Allen Willcox, and Roger Mitchell serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearer will be Pudge Willcox.

Memories and condolences may be shared at starrfuneralhome. com.