Dates
Bart Lee McWilliams, devoted rancher, and landscape business owner, passed away on April 7, 2025, at the age of 53. He was born on August 8, 1971, in San Angelo, TX, to Rickey A. and Sheri (Wishert) McWilliams. He passed away peacefully after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
Bart graduated from Central High School in 1989, he then continued his education at Angelo State University receiving his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1993. Many adventures were had during those early years—some legendary, others still classified. The memories and friendships made there stayed with him for life.
Bart was a rancher at heart. He spent years building a successful landscaping business while staying closely connected to the land and the traditions passed down through his family. He shared that love and knowledge with his greatest joy—his son, Cole Henry McWilliams. Bart taught CH the ins and outs of ranch management, passing down generational wisdom learned from his own father, Rickey, and grandfather, Arliss McWilliams. Many weekends each month, Bart and CH would head to Mason, where time seemed to slow down. With Rickey, the three McWilliams men worked hard and spent long days tending the cattle together—moments that deepened their bond and built lasting memories.
One of the most enduring relationships of Bart’s life was with his childhood friend Kevin Thompson, whom he affectionately referred to as Uncle Kevin. The two met around the age of four and shared a lifetime of adventures, loyalty, and laughter. Alongside Kevin’s wife, Ann and their children, they became chosen family—an unbreakable bond Bart cherished deeply. Weekends at the ranch with Kevin brought plenty of stories, like the time Bart got the brand-new dually truck—still had that new car smell. While backing into a set of cow pens, he clipped the driver’s side rear fender well. Determined to fix the angle, he tried again, carefully watching the passenger-side mirror to avoid making the same mistake. He cleared the fender—but got too close to a post on the driver’s side, tearing the mirror clean off. With a dip of snuff in his mouth and not missing a beat, Bart glanced over, spit in the floorboard, and said, “Well, she’s broke in now.” He was a man of few, but profound, words.
Bart is survived by his beloved son, Cole Henry McWilliams; his father, Rickey McWilliams, of Mason, Texas; and a wide circle of friends and extended family who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sheri J. McWilliams. Bart was married to Stacie Cole though they divorced, they remained united in their love and support for Cole Henry.
The family would like to thank Angels Care Hospice for their continued care and his close friend, Amy Cowley.
Visitation will be Friday, April 11, 2025, from 5:00 - 7:00pm at Harper Funeral Home. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 2:00pm, at Harper Funeral Home.