Ralph E. Wayne

To the great sadness of those who knew and loved him, Ralph E. Wayne passed away on December 19, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Ralph achieved remarkable milestones during a life that touched many bases and people. He was a businessman, civic leader, legislator, public servant, broadcaster and supporter of law enforcement. Perhaps more important, he will be remembered for his integrity, honesty, kindness, empathy, humor, loyalty, humility and respect for others. In a word, he was authentic in all his pursuits.

Ralph was born December 14,1932, in Wellington, Texas, to Lawrence and Jimmie (Pierce) Wayne who raised him in Stone Mountain, Georgia, the Texas Panhandle and Daytona Beach, Florida.

At age 20, Ralph received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the now-named West Texas State A&M University in Canyon Texas, which, in 1975, honored him as a “Distinguished Alumnus.” As a student, he was named to the Alpha Chi National Honor Society, listed in "Who's Who in American Universities and Colleges" and served as vice president of the student body. He was a member of the Student Council, the Inter-Club Council and Sigma Nu Fraternity. Along the way, he earned his Permanent Secondary Teacher's Certification and his pilot's license.

That pilot’s license reflected a lifelong interest in flying. He purchased his first airplane at age 14 and logged more than 15,600 hours of flying in the variety of airplanes he owned over his lifetime. He was a multi-engine, instrument-rated pilot.

After college graduation and a stint in the U.S. Army Reserves during the Korean conflict, Ralph returned to the Texas Panhandle where he served eight years as news director and anchor at the KFDA-AM radio and KFDA-TV in Amarillo as well as an assignment correspondent for the CBS network. He was sent to the Belgium Congo to cover the civil war and the granting of that nation’s independence. During his years in radio and television, he interviewed a variety of people including President John F. Kennedy, Elvis Presley, Fidel Castro, Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy and U-2 spy plane pilot Gary Powers. The early years in a career in banking and communication eventually led to his owning several savings and loan associations and radio stations throughout Texas.

In November 1964, Ralph was elected to represent District 78 in the Texas House of Representatives, initially representing Hale, Floyd and Swisher counties. He served four consecutive terms during the 59th–62nd legislative sessions. During his tenure, he served on several key committees including the Federal Relations Committee and the Committee on Interstate Cooperation as well as a stint as Chairman of the House Administration Committee.

Ralph was named one of three "Outstanding Freshman" legislators for the 59th Session. Governor John Connally appointed him as a Delegate to the Southern Regional Education Conference on Quality in Higher Education. Additionally, President Johnson named him as a Presidential Appointed Delegate to the NATO Conference held in Brussels, Belgium. He also served as a member of the National Legislative Conference. Ralph was also a member of the Economic Development Conference of the Council of Southern States Government.

After leaving the Texas Legislature, Ralph was active in both the public and private sectors, serving as Director of Governmental Relations for the Texas Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association and becoming active in the Texas Civil Justice League after it was established in 1986. He also served on the Texas Ethics Commission, the Texas State Cemetery Committee and as a director of the Texas House Preservation Board. His lengthy resume of accomplishments also lists his Presidency of Austin Aero, a private aviation operation at Austin's then-named Robert Mueller Airport.

Ralph was an active and valuable member of the Austin community for some four decades. His former service included positions as president, Travis County Grand Jury Association; chairman, Travis County Elected Officials Grievance Committee; committee member, Selection of Federal Magistrate Judges; and executive committee chairman, American Tort Reform Association, Washington, D.C.

His support for law enforcement resulted in his receipt of the “Chief’s Award” from Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo in 2009. He even became part of a select group with the title Honorary Austin Police Officer.

Ralph was a dedicated Master Mason, earning his 50-year pin and serving as a 33rd Degree SGIG Scottish Rite Mason. He was recognized for many Masonic honors with highlights including the Grand Cross and the Double Eagle Award. He was a member of University Masonic Lodge #1190; Ben Hur Shriner's Temple; York Rite Mason; Texas Lodge of Research; and National Masonic Sojourners.

He valued his service as a trustee of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas, and he served as chairman of the Scottish Rite Dormitory for Women at the University of Texas in Austin. He was also very active in the Scottish Rite Dyslexia Learning Center for Children.

In addition to professional activities, Ralph was active in his faith and his church. His faith in Jesus was an anchor giving him certainty and confidence throughout his life. He loved Sunday lunches with family especially when celebrating birthdays. He also loved being with his granddaughter Avery and holding his new granddaughter Charlotte. They were both truly the lights of his life.

Ralph is survived by his wife Martie; sons Reb and Tyler (Colleen); granddaughters Avery and Charlotte; nephews Michael Wayne, Patrick Wayne and Greg Billa; grandniece Penny Billa; and sister and brother-in-law Debbie and Bob Billa. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Carla Diane Wayne, and his brothers Larry Wayne and Gene Everett Wayne.

Ralph's legacy and impact on Texas was expansive through his work in government, non-profit service, and business and public affairs. He lived his principles and his faith through his more than nine decades. He will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital in Dallas or to the charity of your choice.

Graveside Services for Ralph will be held at the Texas State Cemetery on January 3, 2025 at 11:00 am. Serving as Pallbearers will be James E. (Pete) Laney, Fred Ligarde, Barry Miller, J.C. Montgomery, Scotty Sayers, Robert Walker and Bruce Zindel. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ben Barnes, Dr. Dan Meyer, Dr. Robert Northcutt, James (Jim) Nowlin, and Mike Wueste.