Lance Alan Ames

Lance Alan Ames, 56, of Amarillo, TX, passed away on January 29, 2022. Words are not enough to honor him. Many knew Lance as a loving husband, family man, proud Pop, caring friend, brother, son, engaged employee, fun co-worker, and so much more. Memorial services will be held at 1:30 pm, on February 12, 2022, at First Baptist Church, Mooreland, OK. An additional memorial will be held in Amarillo in the Spring.

On May 11, 1965, Lance was born to J Alan “Bud” and Barbara Anne (Craig) Ames in Woodward, OK. He was raised in the Mooreland area, attended school there, and was an active member of the Mooreland First Baptist Church after being baptized at ten years old. He had wonderful memories working at the Mooreland Nursing Home and Max Bradley Auto Mechanics. After graduating from Mooreland High School in 1983, Lance attended Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, later graduating with a degree in Mechanics.

After graduation, he worked for Haskins Auto in Woodward, followed by Midway Chevrolet Dealership of Amarillo, TX. In 1990, he began a 30-year career working for FIMC as Supervisor of Maintenance in Amarillo, TX.

He was a member of Lifeway Fellowship Baptist Church. The Lord used his servant’s heart in many ways, such as the men’s ministry and as a prayer warrior.

Lance and Dawn True McWilliams wed in 1995. Through their marriage, he had the honor of gaining a daughter, Alyssa, and a son, Dustin. Lance always shared proudly of their dreams and accomplishments. He was ecstatic and thrilled when he became Pop after his granddaughter, Mykala, was born.

Lance loved people and making them smile. He had a huge heart, sought ways to serve others, and never met a stranger. He was always kind to everyone in the service industry, healthcare, Veterans, and those who just needed some extra positivity to make it through the day.

He was a proud Texan, American, and loved the Lord with all his heart. Most weekends, you would find him grilling up something special on his Big Green Egg, then plating it to post on his Instagram, always making us hungry for a bite. He and Dawn, a chef, enjoyed sharing pictures of their creations #AuntDawnsKitchen and #AvalancheBBQandGrill, along with his beautiful 5th Story Sunrises pictures and enjoyment of tactical gear. Weekends were for grilling and picking out his favorite Sunday socks. Lance helped Santa during the Holiday Season with his long white beard and spectacular collection of Christmas sweaters. It would not be unusual for the children of Amarillo to spot him. He would listen to their stories and wish lists and even entertain some grown-ups with his #TactiClaus. He found joy in helping others and often donated to many Veterans causes, including Freedom Fur Inc. (www.freedomfur.com)

We have many beautiful memories of Lance. He was determined and persevered through numerous health and mental trials during his life, along with severe head trauma. Eventually, he succumbed to those trials as his life ended unexpectedly and too soon.

Lance is preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Betty True.

Lance is survived by his parents, Bud and Barbara Ames, of Mooreland; wife, Dawn Ames, daughter, Alyssa Jenkins and husband JJ, son, Dustin McWilliams, all of Amarillo;  granddaughter Mykala Robertson and husband Noah McAlister of Ithaca, NY; brother, Lloyd Ames and Ann of Canyon, TX; sister, LaNae Baker and Wayne of Edmond; claimed sister, Beverly Kelting; sisters-in-law; Teresa Lawler and Jay, Terri Welch and Tex, both of Amarillo;  brother in law, Todd True and Melissa of North Carolina; also many nieces and nephews; Lyndsi Watts and Jason, sons Jalyn and Cole, Erin Sessions, Craig Ames, Elisha Sessions, Dalton Hughes and Haylee, Jake Hughes, Corbin and Gabriel Treadwell, Halie Ricketts and fiancée Beau Bealmear, Aaron Ricketts and Maghan, Knealie Califano, Kayla Lundin and Ward, Shane Lee, and Jeremy True.

He is also survived by his FIMC work family of Bill Chudej, Lisa Hayes-Burt, Kirk Chudej, Risha Kuhler, Calandra Randolph, Sean Gaffney, Will Ross, Chawn Cook, and all the staff. Plus, MANY more family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:   https://www.gofundme.com/f/lance-ames-fundraiser