Ralph Dorwin Weatherby

Ralph Dorwin Weatherby, 86, peacefully passed away Saturday, August 3, 2013 at his home surrounded by family. Ralph was born December 20, 1926 to Charlie and Argieree Weatherby in Woodson, Texas, the eldest of two boys. Ralph grew up in Iraan, Woodson and Breckenridge, Texas. He graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1945. Ralph served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in the Philippines and Japan during World War II. On November 20, 1948, Ralph married his high school sweetheart Jackie Bingham. They were blessed with two children, Chris Slaughter of Fort Worth and Andy Weatherby of Abilene. Ralph was a devoted husband and the greatest father that two kids could ever have. Starting in 1954 with a Skelly Oil service station in Abilene, Ralph continued in the oil field related business his entire career. He worked for National Supply Company, Dunnigan Tool and Supply, Larkin Supply and Key City Warehouse. Ralph started Dandy Specialties, along with his son Andy, in Abilene in 1981 and built his company to include stores in Odessa and Hobbs, New Mexico. Ralph had a life-long love affair with Miracle Whip and onion sandwiches, chili dogs and Big Red soda pop filled with peanuts. Dressed in his signature every day look of a white golf shirt (with a pocket!), Wrangler jeans and boots, Ralph could often be spotted on the side of the road enjoying his lunch and listening to Paul Harvey on the radio. When he wasn't working or with his family, Ralph enjoyed golfing with his "Gangsome" buddies. Ralph is survived by his wife, Jackie; daughter Chris (Clay) Slaughter of Fort Worth; son Andy (Martha) Weatherby of Abilene; grandchildren Katie and Sam of Fort Worth; step grandchild Mary (Gary) Bone of Abilene; brother Doyle and his wife Martha of Odessa; many cousins, nieces and nephews and loved foster grandchildren. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents. The family will receive friends at a visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6th at the family residence. A private interment will be followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at Brook Hollow Christian Church with Pastor David Hargrave officiating, directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Pallbearers will be Jon Darby, Gwynn Tipton, Robert Cortez, R.B. Brown, Royce Hunt, Sam Slaughter and Mills Caraway. The family wishes to express their appreciation to Becky, Brenda, Judy, Mary and Tina for the devoted care and companionship they provided Ralph the past few years. They also want to thank Susan, Lisa, Debra and Carol with Hospice of the Big Country for their loving assistance. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be made in honor of Ralph to Hospice of the Big Country, Brook Hollow Christian Church or the charity of your choice.