Jimmie Lee McEnturff was born Nov. 12, 1945, in Edgewood to Narvel Lee (Shorty) McEnturff and Ardis Brown McEnturff. He passed away peacefully Sunday, May 15, 2022.

Jimmie graduated from Edgewood High School and played football at Kilgore College and Stephen F. Austin State University. He met his soulmate, Darlene Place McEnturff, while they were attending Kilgore College. He was a Christian and served as a deacon when a member of First Baptist Church, Edgewood.

He pursued his dream of playing football and coaching football, and had a 35-year career as coach, teacher, principal, and mentor to many athletes. He wore a lot of different hats through the years as he also coached girl’s basketball, tennis, and golf, having taken players to state 13 of the 15 years as golf coach.

His career spanned four years with Tyler ISD, 26 years in his hometown of Edgewood, and five years with Harmony ISD after having retired earlier. He also was interim principal at Quitman for a time, as well as an adjunct professor through Texas A&M University’s engineering extension service (TEEX).

Throughout his coaching career, he was known for his “30 second fits,” his motivational talks, his exuberance on the sideline, and his genuine love and concern for his students and athletes.

Jimmie and his wife of 55 years retired to Holly Lake Ranch and have lived there for 24 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Don Clifton McEnturff.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene of Holly Lake Ranch; daughter, Amy (Samuel) Priddy of Tyler; daughter, Leah (Ryan) Simmons of Edgewood; grandchildren, Jacob (Morgan) Priddy of Tyler; Haylee (Matt) Paynton of Fate; Abigail (Austin) Rachal of Whitehouse; Alison (Nobel) Smith of Tyler; Avery Simmons of Edgewood; great-grandson, Oakley Rachal of Whitehouse; sister, Doris (Lewis) Risner of Edgewood; sister-in-law, Barbara Dealy of Bryan, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 4, 2022, at 11 a.m., at The Lord’s House, 3204 Van Hwy., Tyler, Texas.

Memorial donations may be given to The Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701

1-800-777-9860

www.hospiceofeasttexas.org