Obituaries

John Patrick “Pat” McWilliams (1949-2026) died at his home in Ruther Glen on August 5, 2026 surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Alexandria on March 8, 1949 to Margaret Gibson McWilliams and John E. McWilliams. After graduating in 1967 from J.E.B. Stuart High School in Annandale, he embarked on a distinguished career with the Arlington County Fire Department, rising quickly through the organization before retiring in 1989 at the senior rank of Station Commander. Pat continued to be active in firefighting all his life, serving at one time as Deputy of Emergency Services in Louisa County. He supported U.S. Forest Service and Virginia Division of Forestry wildfire control missions in numerous capacities — working frontline response on elite “hot shot” teams, progressing through positions of crew chief and engine/dozer boss, and finally capping off his service in the lead role of Incident Commander. He additionally founded and operated McWilliams Wildfire Services (MWS), a family business that provided specialized tactical and disaster mitigation assistance on emergency response efforts nationwide. Pat went on to apply his versatile technical and leadership skills in diverse project management and government positions, serving as both Deputy of Emergency Services and Director of Public Works for Louisa County. But he always remained proudest of his achievements as a first responder and his successes in mentoring the next generation of firefighters — including his daughter, now a 20-year veteran of the Fairfax County Fire Department. His energy, intelligence and legendary gift for storytelling will be missed by his family and many friends. He is survived by his children from his former marriage to Jeanette Cunningham McWilliams (Andy Gray) of Dunnellon, FL: a son, Michael (Tanya) McWilliams of Jupiter, FL; and a daughter, Cheryl McWilliams of Manassas, VA. He further leaves behind a granddaughter, Shelby McWilliams (Rob) Parsons of Lake Mary, FL; a grandson, Ryan McWilliams, of Seattle, WA; great grandsons Theodore and Isaiah McWilliams; step-great grandsons Aiden, Liam, Connor and Dylan Parsons; a sister, Sarah McWilliams of Orange; and his beloved companion, Lorraine Trent of Ruther Glen. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Fellowship Hall of Wright’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 8063 Ladysmith Road, Ruther Glen, VA, between 2:00 and 5:00 pm on Saturday, August 29, 2026. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation at P.O.Drawer 498, Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727 or online at https://www.firehero.org/donate.