J.C. Reneau

Proud World War II Veteran and American JC “Big Daddy” Reneau, passed away on June 26, 2023, at the amazing age of 101 from a short, unexpected illness. While his health failed at the very end, he led a long, productive, and healthy life as a resident of the Lake Highlands community in Dallas, Texas.

JC was born March 10, 1922, to Reuben and Ella Kate Reneau in Weston, Texas and was the youngest of 6 siblings. He graduated from Allen High School in 1940 where he played football. He then attended Rutherford Business School at night before being drafted by the US Coast Guard and serving for three years as senior petty officer and cook. After the war, he was employed as an appliance sales representative for 40 years with Chambers Stoves, the Hardwick Stove Company and Brown Stoves receiving a multitude of awards including Salesman of the Year. JC was a Mason and later became a Shriner.

Shortly after the war, JC married his wife, Edna, who he always referred to as his “lovely bride,” who preceded him in death by 21 years.

Throughout his life, JC was dedicated to God, country and family and was regarded by most as a “true southern gentleman” who earned and gave respect on a daily basis.

After retirement, he founded the VIP (volunteers in patrol) program in Lake Highlands with 11 other neighbors for his neighborhood. Through their collective efforts, they were able to reduce the crime rate and instill a sense of community. He patrolled over 120 hours a month, served as chairman twice, and was a member for 19 years during which time he was publicly recognized by the Dallas Police Department for his efforts and citizenship.

As a veteran, he also created specialized flag pole holders for the Lake Highlands neighborhood and carried that tradition onto his residence at Mountain Creek Senior Living in Grand Prairie where he would spend his final years close to family.

Other community service efforts included volunteering at Doctors Hospital for 15 years and the Lake Highlands Home Owners Association actively serving into his 90s.

JC is survived by one daughter, Mary Annette Wallace; three granddaughters, Lisa (Douglas) Hill, Tracy (Kenneth) Kracmer and Vicki (Wayne) Taylor; 6 great-grandchildren, Brittany Hail, Ashlyn Boucher, Cole, Avery, Brett Kracmer and Damon Taylor; and one soon to be great-great-grandchild.

JC’s life will be celebrated at a service on July 18, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home on Beltline Road in Grand Prairie, Texas, and his ashes will later be interred at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.