Waymon W. Dockens

Born in Shelby County, Center Texas on October 4, 1931, to William Elvis Dockens and Elberta Vaught Dockens, Waymon Dockens was a man who knew how to live life to its fullest.

Growing up on a truck farm with his siblings Ruby Oletha Dockens Price, Evie Gwendolyn Dockens Jacobs, and Billy Wayne Dockens, Waymon developed a strong work ethic and a knack for storytelling. He graduated from Center High School, balancing his studies with jobs at a furniture store, ice cream parlor, hardware store, and bakery. It's safe to say he was never afraid of hard work—or a sweet treat.

After graduating in 1950, Waymon joined the National Guard and married Maxie Adams in 1952. The couple moved to Houston, where Waymon took on various odd jobs, including a stint as a Roughneck in the oil fields. In 1954, he joined the US Air Force, excelling as an engineer maintenance and repair specialist and graduating as the top student in his class. He spent three and a half years teaching at Ft. Belvoir Tech School. He and Maxie happily welcomed their only child, David Wallace Dockens, in 1956. Afterwards, Waymon left the Air Force in 1958.

Waymon's life took a turn on January 28, 1967, when he married Blanch Earline Smilie Springer and adopted her two children, Billy Bob Dockens and Bonnie Dale Dockens Hubbard. The family settled in Channelview, TX, where they raised their three kids and enjoyed countless camping trips, travels, and memorable visits to Rosebud. Waymon's love for old country songs often filled the car during those trips.

Waymon was a man of many talents and hobbies. He loved hunting, fishing, cooking, and working on cars, he could work on and fix and repair anything. But above all, he cherished spending time with family and friends. He and his close-knit group—Mom, Uncle Fred, and Aunt Gene—were inseparable, sharing countless adventures and hilarious stories. They in his words were very tight. He wanted to made sure to clarify that "tight" didn’t mean "drunk"!

His career saw him working for CB Southern from 1966 until 1970, then as a shop supervisor for Smith Industries. In 1977, the family moved to Splendora, TX, where Waymon started his own business with partner J.R. Williams, selling BG Oil Products. The duo, along with Waymon’s brother-in-law Fred Lee Smilie Jr. and Henry Williams, shared an office, turning work into a family affair. Henry and JR were Earline and Fred’s uncles.

Waymon treasured time with his grandchildren: David Wallace Dockens Jr. (aka Boog), Timothy Michael Dockens, Bobbie Maire Dockens Burkland, and Stephanie Dockens and Brian Love. His property was always full of family gatherings and Barbecues by the pool, and of course Christmas.

A devoted member of Fellowship Baptist Church, Waymon and Earline built lasting friendships with Pastor Mark and Debby Stovall, Navel and Jean Wyatt, Larry and Liz Beard, and many others. They relished church fellowship and travels, creating many good times together.

He in 1984 became a Master Mason in the Cleveland Texas Lodge number 498. Of which he was very honored to be a member.

Waymon worked until his retirement in 2014 but kept active, driving around to old customers to sell his remaining BG inventory. When Hurricane Harvey hit in 2017, flooding their home with 52 inches of water, the outpouring of help from family, friends, and church members was a true testament to the love and respect Waymon and Earline inspired.

After relocating to Centerville, TX, Waymon embraced the slower pace of life, decorating their new home with flair, complete with a HUGE television and plenty of recliners. He enjoyed cooking, working in the yard, and spending time taking care of his beloved wife. His joy came from simple pleasures: Fox News, baseball and football games, and mowing the lawn on his riding mower. Driving to visit family and spending time just reminiscing about life. Yes, driving in his 90s.

Waymon often said he wanted to spend whatever time God gave him on this earth with his wife enjoying each other's company. Married for 56 years, Mom passed in 2023, but Waymon continued to live independently, cherishing his "sweet spot "as he called it in Centerville and enjoying the peaceful life.

He is survived by his loving family, friends, and left countless cherished memories. Waymon Dockens was a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and left a lasting legacy of laughter and love.

And most importantly, he is now with Jesus and continuing his everlasting life with his loving wife and savior.

Burial will be Private.