Ralph Waylan Hefner

Ralph was born May 16, 1932, to Addie (Kennard) Hefner and Ocie Herman Hefner, in Glenwood, TX. He was called home to spend eternity with our Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 21, after complications from a stroke suffered on Wednesday, July 3 rd. 

Ralph graduated from Spring Hill High School and spent most of his adult life in and around Longview and Gilmer, except for the time he served in the US Army during the Korean War (1952-1955). After completing Engineer School at Fort Leonard Wood (MO), Ralph spent most of his active-duty time at Fort Eustis, VA, earning several medals, including a Bronze Star.

After being honorably discharged from the Army, Ralph worked as a chemical operator at Eastman Chemical in Longview. He worked there until February 1978, when he suffered a major stroke that severely affected his speech capability. That disability may have kept him from returning to full-time employment, but he worked through physical therapy and had no other limitations. He did not allow this setback to slow him down!

Upon returning from his military service Ralph met Johnnie McCormick, and they were married July 19, 1958. They lived in Gilmer through 39 years of marriage, buying property on 154 East and building their dream home in 1970. Ralph lived there until his move to Georgetown, TX, in April 2023.

Following Johnnie’s death in August 1997, Ralph married Doris Turner in December 1998. Ralph and Doris enjoyed each other’s company until her passing in December 2018.

In retirement, Ralph enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, often going on horse-and-buggy trail rides with fellow-horsemen Bain Nugent and Pete Taylor. Those were some of the happiest days of his life!

Ralph was preceded in death by wives Johnnie (1997) and Doris (2018). He was also preceded in death by one son, Brad (2021), as well as his sisters Neta (Fleenor) and Nellie (Nay). He is survived by son, Dale, and his wife (Kim), as well as granddaughter, Alex Hefner Doty (husband Drew), three great- grandchildren (Finley, Beckett and Campbell), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Ralph is also survived by Doris’ children (Gaye, Richard, Gloria and Carol), grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom affectionately referred to him as “Papa Ralph”.

We take comfort in knowing that Ralph (Dad) has been given a new body, is now rejoicing in heaven and has been reunited with many of his family and friends. May God bless you richly!

A visitation will be held Friday, July 26, 2024 from 6:00-8:00PM at Croley Funeral Home Chapel in Gilmer. Services will be the following day, Saturday, July 27, 2024 starting at 10AM at Croley Funeral Home Chapel.