Raymond Leon Hargrove

Ray Hargrove (left) with
former Texas Ranger Assistant Chief Jim Miller

Raymond Leon Hargrove, 82, born in Raymondville, Texas, died January 31, 2009, after a fall on the ice caused a brain injury. This kind, generous gentleman spent his entire life making the world a better place.

His devotion to family, friends and numerous charities will extend well beyond his passing. His passions were family, friends, children, animals, world travel, reading and crossword puzzles. Those closest to him felt it an honor and privilege to have him as a dad, grandfather and friend. He will be deeply missed and his legacy of philanthropy will be benefiting many for generations to come. His family repeatedly hears, 'there is no finer man than Ray Hargrove." Ray was a graduate of The University of Texas in Austin, a graduate of Schreiner Institute, and a World War II Navy veteran. He was a member of the Dean's List and a Phi Theta Kappa. He graduated salutatorian from La Feria High School where he enjoyed sports, friends, horses and visiting their ranch in Sisterdale and their summer home in Comfort, Texas.

He founded Hargrove Electric Company in 1964 and it quickly became one of the most successful privately owned companies in Dallas. After 45 years in business, his son Steve continues the legacy. Ray was the founder and first president of The Greater Dallas Electric League, officer of The National Electrical Contractors Association and a director of The American Subcontractors Association. He was an officer and director of The Greater Dallas Crime Commission and a Captain in the Dallas Country Sheriff's Posse. He was Director Emeritus and a long-time supporter of the Texas Ranger Association Foundation.

He was a 32nd degree Mason and a longtime advocate and supporter of the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. He also supported many other charities and churches such as The Salvation Army, United Way and Children's Medical Center, to name a few.

Ray is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Johnnie. He is survived by his son, Steve Hargrove, and his daughter, Sandy Hargrove Coffey; grandchildren: Stephen Hargrove, Jr., Kathryn Hargrove, Trevor Hargrove, and Cameron Rae Coffey; brother, Rick Hargrove; and sisters, Arlene Teater and Evelyn Falk. Pallbearers: Stephen Hargrove, Trevor Hargrove, Retired General Rick Hargrove, Bill Evans, Retired Texas Ranger Captain Richard Sweaney and Retired Texas Ranger Captain David Byrnes, and Danny Chandler.

If desired, memorials may be made to the Texas Ranger Association Foundation Scholarship Fund, 104 Texas Ranger Trail, Waco, Texas 76706.

— Dallas Morning News Courtesy of Danny Chandler