Heaven gained a new Santa when Jimmie Dale Peoples arrived in the early morning hours of September 23, 2021, after a short illness. He was born on June 29, 1937, as the only child of proud parents, Alton Dale Peoples, and Sallie Marie (Seeley) Peoples. He graduated from Rockwall High School in 1955.
Jimmie was a joyful man with a positive outlook and greeted everybody he met with a smile and a kind word. After his retirement, he embraced his new mission to be Santa Claus for 20 years to children across the area. With his perfect white beard and hair, he spread joy and the spirit of Christmas to generations of children always giving each one time and his full attention. His faith was a big part of his life and he took joy in sharing his love of Jesus with others and his private support of mission work to help others in need.
Jimmie is survived by his daughter: Patty Cummings; son: Larry Smallwood and wife Linda; son: Gary Smallwood and wife Della; and son-in-law: Andy Downing; 30 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; and 17 great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family including a special niece, Tricia Barlow Brunson; special friends: Susan McQueen, Alice Webb, and Greg and Rita Edwards.
Jimmie was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years: Nelda Marita Peoples; infant son: Jimmie Dale Peoples, Jr.; daughters: Leslie Allison Peoples and Cheryl Marie Downing; granddaughter: Shelly Dawn Shirley; grandson: Larry Michael Lon Smith; great-granddaughter: Haley Patricia Oldfield; and by his parents: Alton Dale Peoples and Sallie Marie Peoples.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021, at 10:00 at Reflections at Rest Haven Funeral Home-Rockwall Location. Visitation for family and friends will be held prior to services beginning at 9:00am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, he requested memorial donations be made to Susan McQueen to continue their ministry and outreach work. Checks may be mailed to Susan McQueen Ministries, 475 CR 3148, Quitman, TX, 75783.
Many thanks go out to One Point Hospice for their compassionate care and for carrying out his wishes during his illness.
Pallbearers: Michael Dale Shirley, Dakota Shirley, Patton Shirley, George Steger, Jagger Steger, Mason Steger, Blake Caram, and Gary Oldfield
