ROY WILFRED RENFROW

Roy Wilfred Renfrow, 78, passed away on Sept. 30, 2013. Roy had just celebrated his birthday with a gathering of close friends at his home. Roy died at his home on the land that he loved.

Roy was born in Brownsville, Texas, to John and Theoda "Billie" Renfrow, who preceded him in death.

Roy was raised in the El Jardin area and lived in that area until his death.

At the age of five, Roy accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His life and family have been defined by his love for Christ and his love of farming. Roy attended El Jardin Elementary and High School, and completed his senior year at Brownsville High School.

Immediately after graduating, Roy began farming with his father in the southeast part of Brownsville and continued until he was drafted at the age of 22 into the Army, serving two years during the Korean War.

Immediately upon returning home, Roy once again joined his father in the farming operation. Roy soon started his own farming operation which continued for over 50 years. Roy loved the land, seeing his crops grow, and made this a very successful career. Even after retiring from farming, Roy enjoyed his daily trips viewing the fields of other farmers. (His mother often told the story of Roy and his love of farming - instead of playing sports, he would run home from school to join his father in the fields.)

Roy married Teddy Jahns in 1964. They were married for 35 years and together they raised four children. Roy was dedicated to his love of farming, but still found time to serve on several boards of farming organizations as well as serving on different boards in his community and city. Roy was a director of the Brownsville Co-op Gin, Cameron County Farm Bureau, Tip-of-Tex Grain Elevator, and Valco Chemical.

Roy was also a director of the bank which is now Wells Fargo and El Jardin Water Supply. Roy also helped the youth of the community by serving as a 4-H Leader. Roy loved animals, adopting every stray dog or cat that appeared in his yard, often having 8-plus dogs and several cats at one time. There was never a time that an animal was not a part of Roy's life.

Roy was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed not only by his family but by all those fortunate to have known him.

Roy is survived by his four children: Earl "Buster" (Traci) Renfrow, Karen (Randy) Renfrow McClure, Sharon (Bob) Renfrow Gorham, and Darrel Roy (Erika) Renfrow; their mother, Teddy Renfrow; nine grandsons; one granddaughter; and two great-grandchildren. Roy is also survived by his sister, Billie Merle (Mrs. Dale) Loop; a brother, Robert Renfrow; as well as several nieces, nephews, and many friends that he made during his lifetime.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. today, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013, in the East Chapel at Darling-Mouser Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3rd, 2013, at Central Christian Church, 1100 East Alton Gloor Blvd., Brownsville.

We ask that everyone go directly to Central Christian for the funeral services on Thursday morning as there will not be a procession from the funeral home to the church.

Committal services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, at Billings Union Cemetery, in Billings, Oklahoma.

In addition to floral tributes, donations in Roy's name may be made to Central Christian Church, 1100 East Alton Gloor Blvd., Brownsville, TX 78526, and / or the Brownsville Animal Defense Fund, c /o Tessie Sarmiento, 35 Calle Cenizo, Brownsville, TX 78520.

You may view the obituary, sign the guest book, and send your condolences online to the Renfrow family at www.darlingmouser.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Darling-Mouser Funeral Home, 945 Palm Blvd., Brownsville, Texas 78520, (956) 546-7111.