Agapito "AG" Carranza

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Agapito "AG" Carranza who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, AG was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with AG knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

      AG was born on January 11, 1926 at at his home in Naples, Texas. His parents were Maximino and Anjelita Carranza. He was raised in Mexico. Even as a youngster, AG learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, AG was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. AG was raised with one sibling. He had a sister, Juliana, who passed away at birth. He had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For AG, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

       As a young boy, AG enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. In his spare time he liked to build toys. Some of his memorable achievements included becoming a cook at the age of 10 and running the restaurant when the owner was absent.

      AG was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When AG was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to AG came to expect his high standards of performance. Later in life, he became friends with Sixto Salazar.

      An objective and conscientious individual, AG reveled in the security of his family. On April 1, 1960 AG exchanged wedding vows with Luciana "Lucy" Ramirez at the county court house in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. One of AG’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

      AG was ever watchful of his children. He was blessed with five children, three daughters, Margaret, Janie and Yolanda, and two sons, Rumaldo and Joshua. They were also blessed with sixteen grandchildren, Maxie, Cathy, Shannon, Abraham, Rumaldo II, Caleb, Samuel, Gabriela, Josef, Rebekah, Anjel, Stephen, Lelan, Lana, Lucian, Max.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, AG was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, AG was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, AG upheld his standards. His primary occupation was construction and carpentry,. He was employed for 27 years. AG was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      He approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were gardening and furniture making. AG was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

   AG passed away on June 26, 2012 at home in McKinney, Texas. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Services were held at Sunny Lane Funeral Home. AG was laid to rest in Sunny Lane Cemetery in Del City, Oklahoma.

      All who knew him would agree that AG was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. AG Carranza did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

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Agapito “AG” Carranza, 86, of Oklahoma City, OK passed away on June 26, 2012. He was born on January 11, 1926 in Naples, TX to Maximino and Anjelita Carranza. He is preceded in death by his wife Lucy, and both parents. He is survived by his daughters Margaret and John Rys of Colorado Springs, CO, Janie and Stephen Rodgers of Norman, OK, sons Rumaldo and Angela Carranza of OKC, Joshua Carranza of Midwest City, OK and daughter Yolanda Carranza of McKinney, TX. AG is also survived by 16 grandchildren: Maxie, Cathy, Shannon, Abraham, Rumaldo II, Caleb, Samuel, Gabriella, Josef, Rebekah, Anjel, Max, Stephen, Lelan, Lana, Lucian, 5 great grandchildren: Monica, Veronica, Victoria, Caroline and Samantha, 6 great great grandchildren: Derian, J.J, Ezekiel, Zachary, Makenzie, and Sabastian. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 29, from 8 am until 8 pm at Sunny Lane Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 11 am on Saturday, June 30 at 11 am with burial following at Sunny Lane Cemetery in Del City, OK.