Dwight "Gator" O'Neal McCormick

Dwight “Gator” McCormick 

Technical Sergeant (RET), U.S. Air Force 

December 15, 1949 – March 15, 2025 

On March 15th, Dwight “Gator” McCormick took his final ride, likely straight to the best bass fishing spot in heaven. A man of faith, family, and FSU football (with a side of Duke basketball and Atlanta Braves baseball), Gator spent his life making sure everyone around him was taken care of—whether they asked for it or not. He was the one people called when they had a problem, knowing he would either have a solution or figure one out.

Gator’s passions were simple but strong: leading church singing at Hickory Hill for over 20 years, attending any event he could for his grandsons (and the many children he claimed as his own along the way), catching largemouth bass, catching local car shows and keeping his prized ’67 Chevy Chevelle and ’85 Dodge Ram truck in top shape—because if something was worth having, it was worth taking care of. He always carried a comb because, in his words, his hair “couldn’t to be broke.” 

At the hundreds of Lady Pirate basketball games he attended, Gator would always buy a seat at the entrance, but he never used it. Instead, he stood along the wall. He didn’t need the bleachers—he wanted to be as close as possible to the court. That was Gator in every part of life. Just as he stood on that wall, always supporting his team, he stood in the lives of those he loved, giving everything he had without expecting a thing in return. That wall at the basketball gym will forever miss Gator.

Above all, Gator cherished his wife, Sheila. From the moment they married on November 2, 2002, they were inseparable. Every day was an adventure—whether it was a simple meal at their favorite restaurant, watching a ballgame, or a shopping trip that was “just going to take a minute” but somehow lasted all day. Sheila was his best friend and constant companion. He adored her in a way that everyone around them could see, always making sure she was taken care of, always by her side. Their love was the kind that everyone hopes to find—full of laughter, loyalty, and a lifetime of shared memories. 

Gator is survived by his wife, Sheila; his children, Ashley and wife Ashley McCormick and Jennifer and husband Austin Garrett; his grandsons, Easton, Jayce, Eli, Cobi, and Cam; his sisters, Janice and husband Walt Cosson, Dianne and husband Lee McManus, and Linda and husband Johnny Peak; and many other family members and friends who were blessed to know him. He leaves behind a great legacy.

A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at Leonia Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Danny Burns and Reverend Daniel Smith officiating. A time of visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.  Committal services will follow at Leonia Cemetery with full military honors provided by the United States Air Force. In true Gator fashion, instead of flowers, do something kind for someone—pay for their gas, pick up their tab, or remind them they’re loved. 

Rest easy, Gator. You left the world better than you found it. 

Arrangements and services are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home.