Ralph Edward Wynn

Amazon, Netflix, and Fox News are dimmer following the passing of Ralph Edward Wynn on February 12, 2025. He was 82 years old. 

Ralph was both loving and cantankerous. Those who loved him looked past his grumpiness into the heart of a man who deeply loved his family. (His ex-wives may have wondered if he had a heart, but the cardiovascular surgeon who installed his pacemaker assured us he did.) 

He is survived by his daughters Lana Rutherford (Chuck), Valerie Manns (Dave); grandchildren Reece, Ryder, Morgan, and Matthew; great-grandson Zaelor; and sister Carolyn. 

He is preceded in death by his parents Hugo and Helen Wynn. 

Ralph was born in Pittsburg, Texas, on December 7, 1942, a second day that will live in infamy. His mother said he was ornery from the day he was born. His father worked in many oil refineries across the country, so Ralph grew up all over. 

Ralph graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Marketing and Sales because his poor eyesight restricted him from being a fighter pilot (or so he told his daughters). He changed his jobs as he changed his wives. Ralph’s resume included Campbell Soup Company (like chicken noodle soup), David and Sons (like sunflower seeds), and independent food broker. He later worked in real estate and sales, and he even owned a bar for a short time. Before his retirement, he worked fifteen years for Thousand Trails managing different parks. He loved to sit on the porch swing, drink bourbon, and watch the sunset over the lake. 

A proud Texan, Ralph loved playing old country music on his guitar, barbequing, gambling a little, fishing, watching the news, and telling tall tales. He loved a good, inappropriate joke and would tell the same ones over and over again with the same enthusiasm. He loved movies and tv series, especially mobster movies and westerns. Streaming was a game-changer; he could finally stop his DVD subscriptions, but not before collecting close to 500 titles. 

Ralph’s longest lasting relationship seems to have been with his Amazon Alexa. She ordered all his kitchen gadgets (often in multiples), played his music, told him how to dress for the weather, and indulged his curiosity in learning random facts. And she never nagged him.

Ralph’s favorite holiday was Thanksgiving, which he enjoyed hosting. He wanted turkey, pecan pie, football, and family. Some of his happiest family memories were at Lake Tawakoni with the extended family eating too much, drinking a little more, sitting by the camp fire, and singing together. Boy will his family miss that….and miss him…

Don’t worry, Ralph, we will always split Aces, always love Johnny Cash, never overcook the meat, and never, ever forget you. 

A celebration of life will take place in the summer….. at sunset……at the lake……there may be bourbon.