McWilliams, Dwight's Obituary
Dwight McWilliams was born on January 8, 1962, in Philadelphia, MS, to Evia and Hulon McWilliams. He excelled both academically and athletically, becoming a basketball state champion at Philadelphia High School. This earned him a scholarship to Delta State University in Cleveland, MS. It was there that he met the love of his life, Charlene Jefferson and they married on December 29, 1984, in Vicksburg, MS.
Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Dwight was the proud father of four children: Adrienne, Samantha, Alexandra, and Nicholas. His greatest joy came from being “Pop-Pop” to his beloved granddaughter, Alora Eve, whose every moment he lovingly chronicled with his camera.
Dwight earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics while playing NCAA Division II Basketball. He later pursued his passion for technology, earning a Master’s in Computer Science from Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS. His career took him to General Dynamics in Fort Worth, TX, American Airlines in Tulsa, OK, and finally to IBM, where he served as a Senior Managing Consultant for nearly 30 years. His technical expertise and commitment to excellence were the cornerstones of his career, especially on the high-security projects that defined much of his work.
Dwight’s love for photography was evident in every picture he took, especially in his work for Union High School Athletics. He volunteered his time and talent to document the athletes and treasured the photos he captured of his family. Whether behind the lens at sporting events or snapping candid shots at home, Dwight had a gift for seeing and preserving life’s most special moments.
Beyond his professional and creative pursuits, Dwight was a lover of music. He played the trombone and was in a rock band in high school, and he appreciated a wide range of genres. From Bruce Hornsby to Cameo to Dave Matthews Band to Earth, Wind & Fire, he sang with the kind of joy and abandon that made everyone around him smile. His love for music reflected the deep well of passion that he brought to everything he did.
Dwight was a pillar of strength for his family—a devoted son, husband, father, brother, and friend. His kindness, wisdom, and sense of humor will be remembered by all who had the privilege to know him. He was always there when someone needed support, advice, or simply a shoulder to lean on.
Dwight is survived by his mother, Evia, his wife of 40 years, Charlene; his children, Adrienne (Maxine), Samantha, Alexandra, and Nicholas (Angel); his granddaughter, Alora Eve; his sister, Jennifer Harvey (Derrick), and his niece, TáLiyah, and nephew, Eric; a host of extended family and friends whose lives he touched. Dwight’s legacy will live on through his family, photography, and the many memories he created with those who loved him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 3:00 PM, Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Floral Haven Funeral Home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
For those family and friends who are unable to attend the Celebration of Life Service, click on the link below to watch it when you can:
https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/105697/hash:DCCEA288B565ABB5
What’s your fondest memory of Dwight?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dwight?
Share a story where Dwight's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dwight you’ll never forget.
How did Dwight make you smile?