Mr. Ronald Edward Samford

Born in Dallas on February 28, 1930 to John Eldridge and Annie Theresa Samford and departed this earth peacefully surrounded by his loving children on January 14, 2021. He is preceded in death by his parents; childhood sweetheart and beloved wife of 52 years, Mary Ruth; brother, James and sisters, Mary Elizabeth Wulff, Margaret Yates, and Shirley Ketchum and their spouses. Ronald graduated from Adamson High School in 1948 where he helped win three consecutive baseball state championships at which point he signed with The New York Giants’ organization. In 1953 he participated in The Giants’ Goodwill Tour of Japan. He made his stateside major league debut in 1954 with The Giants and played with The Detroit Tigers and Washington Senators through 1959. He hit a home run in his final at bat in the majors. He played many more years in the minors as well as numerous winter ball seasons in Puerto Rico for the Santurce Cangrejeros. His nickname was Gov due to his popularity there as friends and teammates thought he could be the governor of Puerto Rico. After baseball, Ronald worked for Jimmy Bishop and then opened Texas Automatic Transmissions Parts, Inc. with his brother-in-law, Wayne Tramell, where he remained co-owner until his retirement in the mid 90’s. Ronald was a long-time member of Oak Cliff Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf. He loved being president of the Ex-Pro Baseball Players Association of Texas. He was honored to have been a Presbyterian Elder, Stephen Minister, and a participant in The Great Banquet at Oak Cliff Presbyterian Church. Ronald is survived by his sons, Ron Jr. (Carol) and James (Carol), and daughter, Alicia Osborne; grandchildren, Jordan Lambert (Peyton), Claire Richards (Michael), Hannah Samford (Farid Masannat), Price Samford, and Maggie Osborne; step grandchildren, Beau and Cassie Wygant; great grandsons, Ford, Sawyer and Teddy Lambert; Sisters Myrna Martin and Pat McCalla (Donnie); Sisters-in-law, Betty Davis (Merle) and Carol Walker Pinkston (Scott); as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. He lived an amazing life and got to do things most people just dream about. As a result, he always had the best stories and brought much laughter to his friends and family. He was loved by many and will be missed so much! A special thanks to The Godsaves; his Reliant at Home caregivers, Alex, Lupita, and Meena; personal nurse, Kelly; and Reliant Hospice caregivers, Rosemarie, Ogo and Patrick–Angels all! Service will be 2 pm, Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at Laurel Land Chapel with interment following. Visitors are welcome Monday between 4 and 8 pm at the funeral home. Ample social distancing opportunities available with service also live streamed.