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Ralph Moreland Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Moreland
Carol Smith
February 12, 2022
Thank you for sharing this information on Ralph Moreland. I never knew what an incredible individual he was! He may have known my parents. My Dad was Captain of the Salvation Army back in the 50's.
Leslie (Nickels) Patino
September 7, 2014
On the yearly visit to Austin last week, a sibling suggested we try out Terry Black's BBQ and emailed the address on Barton Springs Rd. I replied that it sounded very close to the old Holiday House #1. Turned out it WAS the old Holiday House where I worked part-time, 1972-1975, while going to UT. Mr. Moreland frequently dropped in to check on things, chat with the manager, etc.
For 2 or 3 semesters, I benefited from a scholarship program he set up. For students who worked at least 20 hrs./wk., the company paid up to $200 toward our tuition. That doesn't sound like much today, but back then it covered an entire semester at UT. Considering that entry-level pay was $1.85/hr. when I started, the scholarship was a significant amount, and I'll never forget Mr. Moreland's generosity.
George Martin
July 26, 2014
Wow ! - Austin has truly lost a great legend in the eating establishment industry.
I 1st met Ralph almost by accident right after I was hired on to work at the KFC on Burnet ... back in 1975. He was darting IN as I was heading OUT the door of his former office on (I think it was) West 6th Street. Someone told me that was Ralph, so I greeted him with ""Mister Moreland - I've been waiting to meet up with you !" Without so much as a pause, he smiled that big grin of his and asked, "Why, what did I do NOW ?" And then continued, "Look, I'm innocent, but I'll pay for all the damages !"
I moved to Austin specifically to learn the business from the BEST. And his name was spread all over HOUSTON as being the Go-To guy if you want to learn restaurant management.
I did. So I sold everything I owned & moved to Travis Heights before I even had the job. Turned down several State jobs just to become an assistant mgr at KFC#5.
Later moved on to KFC on Lamar for a short spell, then right next door to 2-J's ... because it was time I learned hamburgers.
It was there that Ralph's mom, Virginia took me in confidence and told me all HER restaurant knowledge - which was vast .. and brought me up to date on the entire history of the company, beginning with she & husband Pat Moreland's beginnings with 2-J's and Colonel Sanders, Ray Kroc (McDonalds) and other "dignitaries" hanging out behind 2-J's counter sharing their secrets and perfecting their trade.
Yep, they ALL went thru 2-J training TOGETHER before they became world class restauranteurs.
But I mention all these other players simply because I know Ralph would WANT them mentioned. His mom had the entire history book of Ralph Moreland Restaurans. No way I could begin to share it here, but hopefully it will appear in public some day as a part of Austin's grand and glorious past.
Now all this obit reading is making me hungry. I'm gonna go out on the patio & make me a big Cheddar Cheeseburger with fries & a coke.
Thanks Ralph -
Keep 'em coming for everybody up there in Heaven.
I'll take a Double M-O-Tomato 85 when I get to the Pearly Gates, Please !
Anthony Tang
August 22, 2013
Mr. Moreland was an inspirational man. I met him shortly after I came back from Iraq while working at a clinic. During his appointments we would always have great conversations and he would always have interesting stories to share.
One day he invited me to his home for lunch. It was such a memorable experience. We talked about WWII, his business and about life. He just had so much to share. I also met his beautiful wife whose grace and presence reminded me so much of Jackie Kennedy.
I just find it amazing how such a small experience can have such a huge impact on my life. Mr. Moreland inspired me to pursue my aspirations towards entrepreneurship.
Remembering Mr. Moreland reminds me how meaningful acts of kindness can be.
May 20, 2013
I worked for Ralph 3 years
1 year KFC # 8 Ben White blvd
@ years at Hill Country Fried Chicken Manchaca road
Jeannie
January 17, 2013
Hello Dad, we miss you so much. You were a great father (don't let that precious head swell up to big) but not perfect. Dad and I use to say to each other that we were the only perfect people in the world, we had our silly moments. I am happy I was visiting you the day you died, and that I was with Marie. Marie is still the same beautiful women you married, she just gets more sweet as time goes by.
Thank you all for your heart felt words for my family. And to you R W for your love to michelle and I. Dad was a huge part of my life my whole life. And Dad God Bless you for taking my advise, I am happy for you being in Heaven and sad at times for not being able to give you a big hug and kiss. I miss you dad. xoxo
Mamie McPhaul
August 14, 2012
I was having flash backs of the good ole days and had the urge to check to see if Holiday House was still opened. I was very sad to find that all of the locations were closed, even sadder to have discovered the passing of such a great man.
I worked for Mr. Moreland during my high school and college years at two of his Holiday House locations, the Burnet Rd. and Barton Springs stores.
Mr. Moreland was fair, honest, and paid a great salary (more than minimum wage). It was not unusual for him to hire teenagers to work at his many locations, but he also hired Black teens. We were given an opportunity that many employers were not willing to do in the 60's.
I will be forever grateful not only for the opportunity, I am also grateful for his kindness, support, work ethics learned, and that great #2 hamburger and onion rings.
An Angel has reclaimed his place in Heaven.
Yolaida CNA Echavarria
March 6, 2011
God bless him
Yolaida (yoly) CNA Echevarria
March 5, 2011
Ralph Moreland was my patient I worked as a CNA in a hospice company . I used to help him with basic needs. He used to call me my morning sunshine including the sitter Darlene .. Him and his wife are the best . He used to talk about his days in the navy and about his beautiful wife Ms:Marie he was always full of stories and plus he actually show me self defense . He have a picture with the KFC founder which he help with some secrets flavors.. He was a great person ,the sitter and I make him laught which it wasnot hard cause he was always happy and smiling.. He had a good sense of humor.. I wish I could help him stay alive we try to help him walk but it was a point in which he knew it was time to go ..a day before he left this world he told me to take care and that he will see me later and I said yes I see you on Monday. And that weekend i felt that someone knock the door and it was weird.. And so on Monday I receive a call that he passed away and I just started crying it was so hard for me he was one of my favorite patients .. God have him in Heaven .. I wish he could be alive but the good thing he is not suffering . In loving memory of my patient which I respect and his wife Marie .. One thing that he told me he wanted to do was to see his daughter and talk to her!
Sam Payne Jr
April 23, 2010
Ralph was my uncle. I love and miss him very much.
Hans DeRocher
April 24, 2009
My condolences to the Moreland Family. We have truly lost a piece of what made Austin great. I remodeled Ralph's restaraunts many times, and even his home a time or two over the last 25 years and very much enjoyed working with Ralph. He brought so much energy to a project, he just made it fun for everyone involved. In all of my years of construction, there has never been anyone I would rather do work for than Ralph. He and his restaraunts will be dearly missed.
Alyson Stringer Steakley
April 22, 2009
I never got to meet Ralph but exchanged a few emails after the last Holiday House closed to express my gratitude and sadness that my favorite burgers were now the stuff of history.
Growing up in Austin, my parents knew not to ask my brother and I where we wanted to eat because our resounding answer was always "HOLIDAY HOUSE!" The Barton Springs location was our haunt ... the totem poles, Charlie the alligator, the birds, the GREAT burgers and fries -- I miss them all. And I mourn the passing of the man who put it all together so brilliantly.
Rest in peace,
Philip Samuelson
April 13, 2009
Marie:
I am so sorry to hear abount Ralph and whish Clifteen and I could have attended last Saturday.
I know it has been a long time but as we get older we think back to the old McCallum days and our friends with found memories. Still remember the March you got me into with the Manor Band in Houston.
You are in our prayers and pray that our Lord will comfort you in the days ahead.
Malcolm Brown
April 12, 2009
Ralph Moreland was a true friend. He was also a very courageous person. He remained optimistic about life and LIVED and LOVED life. He had many friends. His memorial service at the Umlauf Sculpture Gardens was attended by more than 175 people from all walks of life, a testimony to the influence he exerted. Ralph loved Marie, and together they forged an inseparable relationship for more than 3 decades. John Wayne and Ralph were very much alike. John Wayne said, "Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway". I will truly miss my friend, Ralph Moreland. With love, Malcolm
John Pearcy
April 9, 2009
I first met Ralph in 1984. He and Gerald Ledbetter were working on the idea that eventually became Short Stop. Ralph gave me the opportunity to be the franchisee in San Angelo, where I lived. He also taught me a lot of things not just about the restaurant business, but business and life in general. I won't be able to attend the Memorial Service, but my thoughts and prayers will be with his family. I would not be where I am today if it were not for Ralph.
Josie (Warner) Pellegrino
April 9, 2009
Oh how I miss those Holiday House burgers - the #2, the chili-cheese that dripped down your chin. And those french fries. I can't even count the number of cherry vanilla Dr. Peppers that I had at the Burnet Road Holiday House. High school would not have been near as much fun without the endless trips to Holiday House. We have truly lost an Austin icon.
April 8, 2009
College would have been impossible had it not been for my job at Convict Hill Restaurant. The wonderful customers and Ralph Moreland Restaurants' scholarship program made it possible for me to earn a B.S. in Advertising. I went on to pursue a career in the field, working at Austin, Houston and Phoenix ad agencies. Now in business for myself for more than 15 years, I can honestly say the foundation for my success had so much to do with what I learned working for Ralph Moreland.
Thank you to the Moreland family for sharing Ralph with so many Austinites - he certainly understood "paying it forward."
Rudy Sartena
April 8, 2009
God will take care of Mr. Morelands family, as he took care of his employees and friends in his life. I am glad that he was able to touch the lives of my father and family.
April 7, 2009
I grew up going on weekends to Holiday House. My mother worked for Holiday House for many many years. I spent weekends rolling silverware and writing signs for the place, getting paid 10 bucks a day. When I got to high school I recieved my first real job there. I had many happy memories of Mr. Moreland. He always told me I was a great kid and believed I would be someone great. He helped my family in hard times and I just want to honor his memory and say thank you.
Thank you for the memories,
Monica Zavala
Jim Smith
April 7, 2009
Here is to Ralph a man always with a smile.
I grew up with his #2 Double and onion rings after driving from The Pig Stand to the Barton Springs Holiday House on Saturday nights.
Ralph was the driving force for his restaurants with quality food and service.
He will be always remembered and sorely missed.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ralph and his family.
Jim Smith
[email protected]
Annette (Hastings)Nuse
April 6, 2009
In the early 70's, I worked at Holiday House on the north Drag, Tower Rest. on speedway and Sandy's on Barton Springs. I learned a work ethic (hard work) that has stayed w/me for 30+ yrs. Anyone who worked for Ralph learned the value of hard work and the enduring rewards. During those days you knew if you were caught up, then, 'wipe a counter', 'sweep', anything and time would pass quickly til the "rush". Ralph always made you feel you were being fairly treated. Your knees knocked abit when he came in but he was nice as he could be. His managers and assist mgrs worked that way too or they didn't stay long. One time he took a bunch of us, as a reward to his hunting cabin. I never laughed so hard and it was a great time of getting to know him and other staff w/out the ever present ketchup on your shirt. His death has led me to some very fond memories. He was a wonderful guy.
John Yokie
April 6, 2009
As a child of the late 50's and early 60's, I so enjoyed Mr. Morelands Holiday House burgers and fries. Thank you and your family for so many wonderful memories.
Jerry Finch
April 5, 2009
So long Ralph,
I was lucky to have worked shoulder to shoulder with Ralph on The Drag while in my teens. At times, we were the only people working. We both washed dishes, cooked those great hamburgers, cleaned tables, and waited on customers. In 1978 I founded The Iron Works Barbecue, and was president for 17 years. I remember him being a teacher to me, and I did my best to have my employees learn what it meant to learn every aspect of the restaurant business, and to make it interesting. He would always tell me “why” we were doing things, not just to do them.
Austin lost some of its identity when all his creations closed.
Ralph made Austin so much better, and I will miss him.
Jerry Finch
Scott & Priscilla Gregory
April 4, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Carolyn Crumley Grumbles
April 3, 2009
God Bless the Moreland families. Some of our best memories of the past were created by Ralph Moreland. What a wonderful Gentleman with a BIG heart. What we wouldn't give for just one more 2J burger with sauce, a "flamed kissed" hickory burger #5 at the Holiday House and another era in life when we were all back "hangin' out" at the Holiday House ("Loyal Forever/Go Roos"). Ralph Moreland is a one of a kind person and will always be remembered with all of his wonderful fun, smiles and happy memories he leaves for all of us. We have all been blessed by being acquainted with the "BIG" guy, Ralph Moreland. He was the greatest! Again, God Bless all of his Family, Carolyn Grumbles
April 2, 2009
The Holiday House on Barton Springs Road stands out in my mind as the premier burger palace of all time.
I took my first date there in 1961 when I was 16 years old. The aroma of burgers cooking over charcoal was like an intoxicating elixir.
This was the hangout for the Austin High crowd back when AHS was the real Austin High at 12th and Rio Grand. (Loyal Forever!)
As the years rolled by I read a few articles about Ralph Moreland in local publications and I heard many wonderful things about him.
Then about five years ago an associate told me that he had met Ralph while networking in business circles. I was so excited. I asked if he could arrange a meeting.
Ralph, his wife Marie, and my friend and I had breakfast one morning at the Frisco House on Burnet Road -- the old, original one of course. What else?
What a great guy! How could a person not like Ralph on sight? His eyes danced and twinkled as he related the tale about his career in the restaurant business. It started with his opening a little hamburger shop on Barton Springs Road in 1952 that would later blossom into that incredible chain old timers in Austin still talk and dream about.
The secret was grilling the burgers over charcoal, he said. "Flame-kissed," Moreland called them. It had to be more trouble than using a gas fired or electric broiler. But it turned out the kind of quality burger you get on a charcoal grill in your backyard. Most incredible!
After meeting him that one time, I felt like I had known Ralph Moreland all my life. Few people make an impression like that in this world.
He touched so many thousands with the unique atmosphere of his restaurants with their woodsy motif, copper topped counters, unique ordering system and the wonderful food served there.
And, of course, there was Ralph himself! Nothing will ever come close to that combination again.
I know up in heaven that Ralph is keeping them supplied with flame-kissed burgers with hickory smoked sauce or chile and grated cheddar cheese!
"Give me a #5, please."
How badly he will be missed. How my heart goes out to his family and friends for their loss.
The very best regards from an admiring old friend,
Harper Scott Clark
Belton, Texas
Kristy, Marie & Daniel LeTeff
April 2, 2009
My Grandpa was one of the most loving, funny and smart man in our lives. We will never forget his stories. Those are the things that We will always hold close to our hearts. I have a quote that he told me when I stayed at the hospital with him...January 9, 2009 10:13 P.M " I lived, I laughed, I loved, I left." thats how he felt about his life. My family has done alot of mourning, but now is the time to celebrate his life...think of happy times, sad times, and funny times. Lets celebrate the wonderfull life that my grandpa, Ralph Moreland lived. We love you grandpa
Love,
Kristy, Marie, and Daniel LeTeff
(your grand babies)
R W
April 2, 2009
My sympathy to Michelle and Jeanie.
Diana Dickens Culberson
April 2, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the Moreland family. I did not know Mr. Moreland personally, but my younger sister went to school with one of his daughters. However, I have "many" wonderful memories of eating, and hanging out, at the Holiday House locations, particularly on Barton Springs, and in Tarrytown. I was born in Austin, in 1951, and have seen many changes. The loss of our Holiday House chain was SAD, but Mr. Moreland gave us so many HAPPY memories. God Bless You.
Dwight Thompson
April 2, 2009
Ralph was a good neighbor and a good friend to us all. He gave us places to gather with our family and friends, while creating jobs and opportunity for local residents. Our town will always be a little less without him.
Daniel Foyt Jr.
April 1, 2009
I worked for Mr. Moreland at KFC #2 on Airport Rd (no longer there) and the Burnet Rd location during Summers in Austin when I was a teen. I didn't know him particularly well, but my dad did, getting his start in the restaurant business in the 50's and 60's at 2-J's and KFC.
I remember playing on the patio at 2-J's when I was a kid, the "secret sauce" on a 15 cent hamburger and a separate line to buy french fries that were hand cut at the store always hot and fresh.
Mr. Moreland had an important part in my life as I know he had with many of us who still call Austin home (even if no longer living there).
Mr. Moreland will certainly be missed.
Darla Buchanan-Carpenter
April 1, 2009
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your lose.
The good in a man never dies. Our family will always remember Ralph and his devotion to serving the Austin and surrounding communities with his wonderful food, his cheerful smile and his way of encouraging people to do their best and don't sweat the small stuff. He will be missed and not forgotten.
May God bless you all with His peace that passes all understanding.
Chuck Cross
April 1, 2009
My sincerest condolences to the Moreland family. As a teenager and then a UT student in the 1970's I was completely addicted to Holiday House burgers. Through his restaurants Mr. Moreland did something truly wonderful and laudable: he made people happy.
Darla Buchanan-Carpenter
April 1, 2009
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your lose.
The good in a man never dies. Our family will always remember Ralph and his devotion to serving the Austin and surrounding communites with his wonderly food, his cheerful smile and his way of encouraging people to do their best and don't sweat the small stuff. He will be missed and not forgotten.
The Millers
April 1, 2009
Our family has fond memories of dining at his restaurants in Austin. Even now we have cravings for his burgers. Nobody serves them up like he did. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family
Tony Martinez
March 31, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Cathy Litton
March 31, 2009
When I was young we rarely went out to eat, but when we did it was to 2J's. My grandmother owned the first health food store in Austin, but when it was just the two of us working on Saturdays, she always sent me to Sandy's for burgers and custard (she loved both). And of course any Holiday House was a beacon for great food and a great time with my friends. I visited them all. Often, even today I find myself wishing the Holiday House was still open. It was truly an Austin icon. My thanks to Mr. Moreland and family for many wonderful memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Penny Banks
March 31, 2009
I spent many a Friday and Sat. night @ the Burnet Road Holiday House when I was a teenager . It was a fav hangout for us and I loved their Hickory burgers. I'm sorry to hear about Mr. Moreland's death.
Stephen Smith
March 31, 2009
Ralph more than anything was always quick to laugh and was a great teller of stories both real and imagined. Austin has lost a local icon that will be remembered longer than most.
Christopher George
March 31, 2009
My sincerest prayers and sympathies go out to the Morelands. Some of our greatest family memories were shared at The Tarrytown Holiday House, and we always received exceptional treatment from the staff.
It's great to know that Mr. Moreland was able to touch so many lives that will carry on his legacy in their own restaurant ventures.
March 31, 2009
I worked for 2J/KFC for 41 years with Pat and Virginia Moreland then Ralph.I was always treated like family,My sons and my sisters worked for KFC.Pat and Ralph Moreland gave opportunities to not only their employees but others for better lives,we all will have special memories of a great man
Clara (Krabe) Kinney
Tony Diaz
March 31, 2009
My prayers go out to you and the Girls. I worked for Ralph stating my career in the restaurant industry he was a great old ram that thought a young ram how to live.
Jody Armstrong
March 31, 2009
We lived two blocks from the Burnet Road location and spent many hours playing games and eating #2 with #5 sauce. Thank you for the wonderful memories. My grandparents lived in south Austin and would take us to the Barton Springs location to enjoy your collection of animals. The Morelands are part of the Austin I loved and remember. Thank you for all you gave back. My prayers are with you.
Kelley Heins
March 31, 2009
I remember going to the Airport Blvd. Holiday House and staring at the fish in the tanks for what seemed hours. I really do miss the hickory burgers. Thanks to the Moreland Family for sharing their dad and husband for so many years.
March 31, 2009
My son called to tell me Ralph had passed away....My first job was at Two-J's (and if you're from Austin,you remember.) I started in 1966 when Pat Moreland,his father,sold Two-J's,Sandy's and the KFC"S to Ralph...Ray Stanish was president of the company and later went on to open Top Notch.....so, if you are nostalgic and want a great burger, you can still go to Top Notch. I was with this family company off and on for 15 years. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I have never forgotten all of the fine folks I worked with those many years ago.
Linda Binkley
[email protected]
March 31, 2009
I remember the copper counter top at the Holiday House in west Austin, the Flame kissed Flameburger #5, and a cone of lime ice-cream for desert. It was the haunt for AHS'ers. RIP Ralph, good job well done.
Chris P
Win Harbison
March 30, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I worked with Ralph and Sam in the long-distance telephone business back in the early 90's. What little time we worked together was enough to know that Ralph was as good as gold. He was a "straight shooter" and was good to his word. You can't ask for much more than that in a man.
I knew he was ill from and have kept him in my thoughts for some time now. God Bless
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