OBITUARY

Ronnie Jan Stailey

October 12, 1944 – November 25, 2019
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Ronnie Jan Stailey

Ronnie Jan Stailey, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, November 25, 2019 in Farmington, New Mexico. Ron was 75 years of age.

Ron was born in Abilene, Texas on October 12, 1944 becoming the precious son to the late Finley T. Stailey and Jessie Langston Stailey. He was raised and attended High School in Eula, Texas. Ron was a Veteran having served with the United States Army. He was employed as a Firefighter Specialist at the Austin Fire Department. He served time at numerous fire stations throughout Austin and with (CFR) Crash Fire & Rescue at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport. Ron was a caring, loving and truly devoted husband, father, grandfather and a friend to so many. He will be forever remembered for his true one of a kind personality that was filled with laughter, generosity and many jokes. He was passionate about his family and friends. He also had a deep love and interest for Ham radios, Contesting (He was very competitive), attending and participating in conventions and in all aspects with the art of Ham radios. Throughout his life there were many hobbies that brought him great joy these included raising and racing homing pigeons, raising hunting dogs, building custom clocks, flying model airplanes to just mention a few.

Ron is preceded in death by his mother, Jessie Langston Stailey; father, Finley T. Stailey; step mother, Jessie Eloise Stailey; brother, Richard Ivey; and his great granddaughter, Mia Lee Bevins.

He is Survived by his wife of 55 years Wanda Alexander Stailey; Daughter, Shari Stailey- Floyd; Son, Thomas Karl Stailey; grandson, James C. Floyd; granddaughters, Jaclynn Stailey, Brittney Bevins, Brooke Henderson and Jessica Stailey; great grandchildren, Ashton, Bentley, Jesse and Ryker; 4 step great grandchildren; brother, Charles Ivey; half siblings and step siblings; the Cowan family; nieces, Courtney and Allison and Cameron; nephews Rick and Randy as well as many extended family and close friends.

A Funeral Service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 12, 2019 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660. Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home will be ready to receive guest from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Don Long will be officiating with military honors being afforded by United States active duty Army as well as the AFRS Fire Department Honor Guard (AFRS) (Austin Firefighter Relief Services).

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Memorial Contributions in Ron’s name may be made to the Knights of Columbus # 9368. Mail to St. Williams Catholic Church 620 Round Rock, Texas 78681.

Please visit www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com where you may leave condolences and share memories with Ron’s family.

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    Wednesday, December 11, 2019

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    Thursday, December 12, 2019

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    Thursday, December 12, 2019

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Ronnie Jan Stailey

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Tom

March 11, 2020

My dad was the best dad that I could ever ask for. I could always count on him to be there for me when I needed him, no matter what the circumstances were. We had so many good times together that I can't count them all. I miss him so much that I can barely breathe sometimes, to tell the truth. I was very lucky to have a dad like mine. I do not know many other people that have a relationship like the one I've had with my dad and that goes for my mom too. As I think back through all my life and the special times spent with my dad, it is rather hard to just pick out just one or two memories. I have so many great memories with him. When I was a little boy dad would challenge me to pull his arm down. He would sit in his lazy boy chair and he'd put his elbow on the arm of the chair and pull his arm up and his hand was in a fist. He would bet me that I couldn't pull his arm down so I'd start pulling with my feet on the floor, then my feet would move up the base of that chair, before I knew it I was laying on his arm pushing it down with my body weight and laughing as I struggled to get it ALL the way down where his arm and fist was touching the arm of the chair, that was the way I could win. I learned a lot about leverage playing that game and when I learned it well enough he'd pick a different challenge. Thinking back on it, those challenges taught me a lot of things that I would use in my future profession. There was a game that my sister and I would play with dad in the mornings. Shari and I would have to work as a team for this one because it was impossible to do it alone. Dad would lie across the middle of the bed and the challenge was for me and Shari to roll dad off of the bed. We would get him to roll pretty easily when our feet were closer to the headboard because we'd push against it to push dad to roll. Once we had that first roll things got much harder. We'd both put our head in his side and his ribs and push like crazy. Our feet were pushing the sheet up as our butts would come up into the air and finally, we’d get dad rolled over once more and just enough to where one of us could maneuver under him, most of the time it was me that was able to get under and my sister would be laying over, feet wedged into the bed with her hands under him and we’d gain another roll closer to the edge of the bed and we’d repeat this over and over until we rolled him off the bed and into the floor. This challenge taught my sister and me about teamwork. He was brilliant in the way he taught through action. My memories race forward to when I was a teenager and it was time to go transmitter hunting. I loved going transmitter hunting with my dad! These were hide and seek games for adults with Ham Radios really. One of the ham guys would pick a spot to hide inside and surrounding area of Austin, TX most of the time. The person hiding would transmit a signal ever so often and all of the other people participating would be hunting for that person transmitting the signal. The first person to find the person hiding would be the winner. This is where dad and I were more alike, we loved competition and we loved being first, because second place was the first loser’s spot. We were in for the win and I was dad’s driver! Talk about crazy fun! If you are familiar with the Austin area this isn’t just an itty bitty city! So, there was this one time that the person hiding was in downtown Austin, he thought he was gonna be slick! We didn’t know in the beginning that he was gonna be in the downtown area though. That was the point of the game we had to hunt for where this cat was hiding. Our advantage here was that dad and I knew every street, fire hydrant, parking lot, hill, and ant-mound in Austin and every pathway to get around. We both had to know the greater Austin area for this to work. GAME ON! Dad has the antenna sticking up and out of the passenger side window to pick up the signal and he is watching the meters in the car and he tells
me where to go. Imagine a sixteen, seventeen, or eighteen-year-old behind the wheel with permission from his dad to slide around corners, jump medians, go backwards on one-way roads and to speed while doing all of it! Talk about FUN! This guy that was hiding at this particular time had a habit of hiding around 2222 and Bee Caves Road so we started heading out that direction. I’m hauling butt on Mopac on past the river toward 2222 and we pick up a signal again. Dad says, "I know where they are at, he thought they were in Zilker Park. They really were in Zilker Park! They were under the River Bridge where they weren’t supposed to be. We pull up under the River Bridge and dad says, “Stop, Stop!” I’m just looking and there wasn’t really a place to drive. I wonder where, where!?!? Dad is already getting out of the car, antenna and all, and we start walking and there they are, just up under the River Bridge. There they were hanging out in lawn chairs with cold beers, laughing as we came walking up on them. Dad says, “Are we the first to find you all, and they say, Yes! We all have a good laugh and this ends this hunt for the night. The next hunt that night is out by the State Capital. We pick up the signal going toward downtown! He’d changed his norm this time and dad says, “Go, Go, Tom, Go!” Dad had his cigarette pinched between his teeth and says he’s around the Capital! I’ll skip all the road names and get to that area here. Now keep in mind this is before 9/11. They didn’t have the fencing and barriers around the Capitol building like they do now days. So, we are hauling it down the street heading dead straight into the Capital … he’s gotta be on the other side. Dad yells, “Get on the other side!” I say, “There’s a median!” Dad says, “Go over it then, but get other there”! “Go that way” he says, pointing his finger as he leans forward helping the car go faster. We’re close to finding him now. I jump the median getting to the other side and sliding around the curve and we’re heading toward a one way street! Dad yells, “Go, Go, Just Go there’s nobody coming!” I floor it and we are flyin’ down this one way and sliding into the next street and turning the correct direction on the road now. I think dad and I were both shaking our heads at this point. Then he shouts, “They’re in there, they’re in there!" They were on the very top floor of the State Capitol Parking Garage for the State Employees! Needless to say we won this one too. (Hashtag WINNING) LOL! That was that for these two hunts! *High Five Guys* Then we all head down to the hotel banquet room where dad goes to collect his next trophy, an antenna or radio or whatever it was…I believe it was an antenna for this particular hunt that he won. It was fun, Real Fun, being dad's driver! That's why my sister, Shari, says that we make Batman and Robin look like silly putty! We kinda did a few times at least! Hanging out with my dad was a really good time. I'll have these memories for the rest of my life until I meet him again on the other side.
I love you, Dad
Tom

Shari Stailey-Floyd

March 11, 2020

This is a story that I love remembering and telling. This photo is of Ron and Wanda's wedding vows renewal. It was their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. Shari had decided that she wanted to surprise her parents with a renewal of their vows. My parents didn't have marital problems so it was a safe event to plan without their knowledge or consent. Gary was all in so it was Game On Time and I went to work to get it done! This took about six weeks to plan out where everyone was off work and everyone available and reservations available for that specific date. We talked to Tom and Lauren about it and they wanted to share in the experience too. I was pleased as punch about that! I told my parents that I had something Very Special planned for their wedding anniversary. I told them that daddy needed to be in a nice suit, mama in a nice dress so get dressed to the hilt. I told them we were doing something at the house first, then we were going to a swanky restaurant afterward and to pack an overnight bag as well. I contacted a Justice of the Peace to come to my parents house and officiate their vows renewal on May 31, 1989. I wrote their vows for the Justice of the Peace, bought daddy a silk boutonniere, mama a bouquet of silk flowers so they could have them as keepsakes. We bought Gary, Tom, Shari and Lauren new suites & dresses. The day had finally arrived and boy was I excited! That afternoon the Justice of the Peace arrived at the house and performed the ceremony and just look at their faces! This is a Perfect Picture of true love and happiness shared with the whole family. Mama must've gotten wise to what I had planned because they had new wedding rings to exchange and I sure didn't do that part. I just loved it! I changed into a different dress and then we loaded up in separate vehicles. They didn't know where they were going so they followed us. We took them to the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Austin, Texas right off the river. We took them to the restaurant inside the hotel and had a three course meal. The name of the restaurant was called The Foothills Restaurant at that time. After supper we went down to the lobby and looked at the gorgeous indoor waterfall they had there with paths of scenery to walk around to see the koi fish, flowers and lily pads. Gary & I had left for a little bit to go get their luggage from their car, had it sent up to their room and we checked them in for their nights stay. When Gary and I returned a woman was there singing and I requested a song for my parents to dance to. The name of the song was "The Rose". When she announced my parents anniversary she asked them to come to the floor then she proceeded to sing the requested song. Oh, how I loved watching them dance together in that scenery, to that song. It was so romantic! We all joined them in that dance before the song ended. After we danced and finished looking around I handed them the key to the Honeymoon Suite upstairs overlooking the river. All of their belongings were already up there. They had beautiful flowers, his & hers robes, champaign chilling in the bucket with glasses and strawberries. We got them the works! They deserved the works! Our parents had done so much for all of us and it just delighted me to be able to do this for them. I'm so glad I did it for their twenty-fifth anniversary because they didn't live here at their fifth anniversary. It was Perfect!
Location - Round Rock, Texas
Date - May 31, 1989

Shari Stailey-Floyd

March 11, 2020

Pictured here is Shari with her parents, Ron and Wanda, on Shari's wedding day right before leaving the house for the church. It was a very small country church in Georgetown, Texas. The date was January 13, 1985 and it was Snowing! We very rarely have snow in central Texas but it snowed that day and heavier than we'd ever had before that I could remember. Shari was rather freaked out by the weather and how all of the wedding plans were going to play out that day. Daddy reassured me that he would see to it that we'd make it to the church. My mama had been rather stressed that morning as well. She had to go to the bakery to pick up the wedding cake and get it over to the place we were going to have the reception. Mama got the cake alright and had to drive at a crawling speed to not slip and slide all over the road. She did make it to the dance hall where we'd planned to have the reception and Guess what? The dance hall was CLOSED due to snow! Can you imagine this happening on your daughter's wedding day? As I told you earlier, my mama has a magical way of making things happen when it's really important. This was one of those moments!!! She managed to get the wedding cake, punch bowl, cups, and all the other things to the church for a sudden make shift backup plan. The snow was beautiful! However, it would have been nice to have it happen the following day and after the wedding. Anyway, daddy got me to the church on time. The others attending that were accustomed to driving in this type of weather arrived just fine, thank God! The other local family and friends slipped and slid all over the roads trying to get there in time. Some ended up in the ditch. Some couldn't make the trip at all. It was a really small wedding ceremony anyway but it was much smaller than planned. The vocalist couldn't make it but the pianist did. My soon to be husband had to go get the minister from his home and drive him over. Ok, so everyone that could make it, made it safely. Those that couldn't make it were either safe and sound at home or being pulled from the ditch and returned home but no one was hurt. My mama and her best friend Perry were in the back room of the church moving furniture, making space for the reception, cleaning and setting up a table for the wedding cake and making the punch. See? She is a miracle magic maker because she and Perry pulled it all together as best it could be in an almost impossible situation and made it work! Now then, please allow me to tell you about the church. As I said, it was a very small country church and there was no other hallway or access point to go around to the front of the church to enter the doors to walk down the aisle. Can you imagine this? I'm looking at my daddy about to cry all my makeup off and into a wet and smeared mess, I'm tellin' ya! Daddy hugged me really tightly, told me to breathe and that he would see to it that I could make it around to the front doors to walk down that aisle. I could hardly breathe but I knew daddy had something in mind and I trusted my daddy to do exactly what he said he'd do! Come time to make this other miracle happen, my daddy took my hand and led me to the side door to go outside. Picture this with me, now! The door goes outside, down a few steps but there is NO sidewalk or path that wasn't covered with snow, ice, and sticky MUD under it!!! I'm looking at my daddy like he's crazy and said but how are we? Daddy stopped me right there and said trust me, we'll make it just fine because I have a plan. What other choice did I have? Go backwards through the church and tell everyone to close their eyes or somethin'? This was nuts! So, I took a big breath and said ok let's do this, Daddy. He said take off your shoes first ... my mind was absolutely swirling with how in the HE-double hockey sticks are we gonna do this and he wants me barefoot in nylons?!?!?! I take my shoes off and daddy said now put one shoe in each hand. I'm going to pull the bulk of your dress like this, as he proceeds to do so and you're gonna just hold it up and get on your tippy toes and leave the rest to me. I come down the stairs on my tippy toes, he moves behind me and proceeds to lift me from under my arms, pulling me backward against his tummy and chest and he walks me, almost floating me, around the side of that church to those front doors. Daddy had a damp cloth in one of his pockets and a dry one in the other. Once on the front covered porch of the church he cleaned my tippy toes and dried them. He took one shoe and slipped it on and then the other, then cleaned his own boots off. He helped me get my dress all the way down and fluffed out like it should be. MY HERO!!!! He took my arm and asked me, "Are you ready to walk down that aisle now, lil lady"? I paused for a moment and hugged my daddy harder than ever before, I think. Then I answered him with, " Yes, I am ready, daddy". We both said, "Game On and We Win"! We said it at the same exact time! We snickered for a moment and he opened that door for me and down the aisle we walked! The candles weren't lit, but I didn't care. The pianist was playing the wrong song, but I didn't care. My daddy was walking me down the aisle, and I saw Gary standing there with a look that I can't even begin to describe when he saw me in that dress! I saw my mama, my grandparents, my brother, my uncle, mama Perry, Bill and my soon to be mother-in-law. All the people that mattered the most to me were there, standing and smiling as they watched us walking down that aisle and perfectly timed, I might add. He gave me a kiss on the cheek, whispered go now and marry that man like I married your mama, you got a good one, babygirl! I sit here typing this with tears remembering this day of snow and miracle's and magic, and marriage and how everyone helped me so much that day. My parents are true hero's and they raised me to be one too. I couldn't have had a better life than what I've had with them growing up and even until this very day. My parents have been my best friends, my advisors, my pillars of strength, and my hero's all of my life. I am so incredibly Grateful and Honored to have had them both always, in all ways.
Side Note: Big tummies are comfortable to sleep on when you're little and they save your daughter's wedding day. I always loved my daddy's big tummy!
Location - Round Rock, Texas
Date - January 13, 1985

Shari Stailey-Floyd

March 11, 2020

Shari is giving her daddy a birthday kiss on his cheek. This day was Shari's sixteenth birthday. No, they didn't gift me a vacuum cleaner. In our family, never believe the box your gift is wrapped in. It's very rare that the gift matches the box! I believe I got a new bedspread and curtains for my room that year. Shari was supposed to have a sweet sixteen party but none of the other girls came. I had been wanting to go The Magic Time Machine so daddy had me put on my new dress mama had just bought for me and off we went. Now, I need to tell you about The Magic Time Machine! It was a special restaurant that served good food, not junk food stuff and the price matched the higher end restaurants. What made this place special was that all of the staff wore different costumes of Disney related movies like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Mighty Mouse, Daisy Duck, Snow White, etc. There were no games like a fun house, it was a full fledge nice food restaurant. When we arrived, it was Mickey Mouse that started showing us the way to our table. He put his tail in my mama's hand so that we wouldn't lose him. So then Mickey Mouse takes off walking and his tail comes off in mama's hand. Of all the jumping around and making a scene of having his tailed pulled off! It was quite a sight and people were snickering and giggling to include me and daddy. Mama was a wee tad embarrassed but it was meant to do that and Mickey stuck his tail back on and we were seated. I think it was Snow White that came to our table to take our order. Daddy ordered two drinks, they were Tequila Sunrises. When the waitress delivered the drinks to the table daddy took one and slid the other one over to me. Dad said, "I want to be the first man to buy you your first real mixed drink." I looked over at my mama waiting for her look of approval. She said, "Just one for the sixteen year old birthday girl." I don't know the laws in other states but in Texas, if you are under age, you can legally drink with your parents or your spouse. They have to be with you the entire time though! The colors in the drink really did look like a sunrise too. We watched all of the other people while we were waiting for our food to arrive and we saw poor Mickey's tail being pulled off about ten times or so and we were the ones laughing then. Also, if you had to go to the restroom and you didn't know where it was and if you asked for directions, boy howdy, they would sure help you find it! There were three people dressed up like...well, I dunno what, but they were wearing bright yellow rubber looking pants, bright yellow helmets with a red flashing light attached to the top, and they were loudly calling out "Potty Patrol", "Potty Patrol", "Potty Patrol" as they escorted the person to the restroom. We witnessed this in action and oh my gosh, what a sight that was! It was funny to watch it happen to others but none of us wanted that to happen to us! You're laughing, right? You should be, we had a good time and my parents really did save my sixteenth birthday and I loved every moment of it. The Magic Time Machine is no longer but the memory is in a safe place within me.
Location - Round Rock, Texas
Date - October 10, 1981

Brittney Bevins

February 21, 2020

PaPa,
I will remember your hugs.
When you wrapped your arms around me,
I could feel the world melt away as you held me in your warm embrace.
Your arms were always so strong and yet so gentle, and when you hugged me, I was in the safest place on Earth.
I can never put into words how much I love you, and how incredibly blessed I am to have you as my Papa.
I have learned to take nothing for granted. To cherish every moment we are given, because tomorrow is never promised.
I never thought about what it would be like when you would no longer be here. You have always played such a special part in my life that can never be forgotten. I look at your photos, and there you are, smiling back at me. You were always smiling, always laughing and always happy. And that is how I will always remember you.
I can just see you holding my daughter, Mia. She's beautiful isn't she? I can see you bouncing her on your knee and hearing the both of you laugh together as you show her how a horse eats cabbage, the way you used to show me!
How very lucky I am to have the two of you for angels...
You were the most amazing man. A devoted husband, loved and respected father and a deeply adored grandfather.
And the world just seems a little less vibrant without you in it, Papa.
But this is not our final goodbye, as we share the same belief that this is not the end, and I know I will see you again.
I will see your smiling face again, and I will hear your big, deep laugh. I will feel your tight bear hug squeeze, and the world will melt away.
Until then, we will continue to look at photos and remember the amazing times we shared with you.
We will talk to you and seek your guidance when we need it, and look for you in nature when we miss you terribly.
We will keep your memory alive and never, ever forget you.
Until we meet again, Papa... I love you.

Your loving granddaughter always, Brittney Bevins

Jessica Stailey

February 20, 2020

Grandpa,
I’m truly blessed to have all the special memories I have with you and will always cherish them. I remember all the times I would sit on your lap in your recliner and you would tickle me. You would count each rib as you tickled me and always told me that you would pay me for one dollar for each rib that I could make it through. You would count and make each number soooo drawn out as I laughed uncontrollably fighting to make it through all my ribs and make the most. Your laugh was so contagious and could make everyone in the room laugh with you. One of my other favorite memories was sitting with you in your office and asking to eat the candy out of your candy jar and the time I chose to Fireball candy and you laughed telling me it was hot and how I wouldn’t like it but me being me I went for it anyway. Didn’t last very long before I was spitting it into a tissue and you telling me “I told you so” as you laughed at me. Every time I see Fireball candy at the stores I laugh to myself and think of you and the times we share.
I miss you dearly Grandpa, and I love you so much! Until we meet again! ❤️

Brooke Henderson

February 20, 2020

My grandfather was a man that always had a smile on his face and brought so much joy to anyone that was around him. Whether it be when we were small children goofing around, or as adults, he constantly made you feel like he was truly listening and present with you in that moment. As an adult and being able to understand fully the upbringing and life that my grandfather lived, I learned to cherish his compassionate and joyful demeanor that much more.

I'm overjoyed and so proud that my grandfather was able to share in some of the most important times in my life. Watching me walk across stage and seeing me graduate from school, or even being able to have him present at the birth of my son are things that I will forever hold near and dear to my heart.

Despite the time, distance, and any circumstances in life that have come up, I can and have always find solace in the memories that I have of him. Thinking of his big smile while he held his great grandson, remembering traveling to New Mexico and the adventures we had there. Thinking of the sound of his contagious laugh and his humbled spirit and soul. I will always remember his larger than life personality and words of wisdom.

I wish I could have said it more over the years, however, I love you, grandpa. I have always loved you, I have always held you close to my heart. I will forever love you, respect you, look up to you, and cherish every memory we have ever made together.

Jaclynn Stailey

February 20, 2020

Papa/ Grandpa,
The many names and titles you held over your years of life. I’m truly so blessed to be a Stailey. Thank you for all the laughs, huge hugs, wisdom and most of all, marrying such an amazing woman!! I know you can see me now and look over us. I visit you often. You chose a beautiful place to lay to rest. Thank you for all the life lessons you passed along to all of your children and grandchildren. I love you so much. Words can not and never will be enough justice on expressing how much you and Grandma mean to me. I love you! Your service was absolutely beautiful. I never knew how popular you were outside of being my Papa. But I’m silly to not think you were not popular. You’re the reason why I have a sense of humor. You are the reason why I love to make people laugh and you are the reason why I have such an amazing grandmother. You did well choosing grandma to spend the rest of your life with. I will never forget your hugs, your farts, your jokes, your chair, you polar bear cigarette tray and most of all, YOU. Rest In Peace Papa. See you in the future.

Gary Floyd

February 13, 2020

My father-in-law had a great sense of humor about himself.
He sure got a kick out of it when he first introduced himself to me, weak wristed and speaking in a lispy, sissy like voice. I almost went back out the door until he started laughing, letting me know it was a joke. My mother-in-law put her hands on her hips and said, "Rrronn, stop that"!
I sure miss him, rubbing his head for good luck (he had a bald spot) or laughing when we watched a football game when it really didn't matter who won. It was always enjoyable sitting around the kitchen table with the family and him telling us all kinds of stories about being a fireman and the pranks they pulled on each other. Some of the things they would do to pass the time was crazy and funny too. I liked how he would talk about his Ham Radio Operations and I truly believe that was his true calling in life. I had a love and respect for him. He really grew on me like a father figure and I believe he was okay with me calling him "Pops". He really was like a second dad to me and most especially when my own dad passed away early in my marriage to Ron's daughter, Shari. He was always there for me, no matter what the issue was - he always tried his best to help me out. He and his wife, Wanda, have always been good role models. I know he's up there in heaven playing with my granddaughter, Mia Lee, now that he's been able to meet her. He will always be in my heart and he'll always be my "Pops" too.
I'll see you on the other side, Pops!
I love you,
Gary L Floyd

Don Hill AA5AU

January 24, 2020

Sure hate to hear this sad news. On this Thanksgiving Day, I'm thankful I got to know Big Ron. He taught me a lot about RTTY contesting and introduced me to WriteLog.

One contest we operated together was the 2000 BARTG RTTY Contest. We set a record that still stands today. I remember having a big run into Europe in the morning on 10 meters and thinking I was seeing a few JA calls in the pileup as well. I thought I was hallucinating. I said to Ron "I think I'm seeing JAs". He said "Yeah, turn the top antenna southeast and work the JAs longpath." I had never worked JAs longpath before on any band, let alone ten meters. But there they were. Operating contests with Ron was a real treat.
Here's a synopsis of that 2000 BARTG contest with Ron
(with pictures).
https://www.aa5au.com/rtty/articles/2000-bartg-hf-rtty-contest/

RIP my friend.
Don AA5AU

FROM THE FAMILY

This is Ronnie (Ron) Jan Stailey. He was 67 years of age at the time this photo was taken. He had recently moved to Farmington, New Mexico from his Round Rock, TX home at this time of his life. He had moved with his wife Wanda Stailey to help assist his wife's parents in their elderly years. They assisted with the management of her parents trailer court among many other things and most of their health needs. This move for them was for the love of Wanda's parents and very selfless of them both to do so. A child's love for their parents is quite remarkable.

FROM THE FAMILY

This lovely couple is Ron's adoptive parents Finley Thomas Stailey and his wife Jessie Langston Stailey (She preferred to be called Jackie - so from here on she will be referred to as Jackie to prevent confusion). After being married for about three years Finley and Jackie found out that they couldn't have children of their own and decided that they would start looking into adoption as another option to create the family they dreamed of. They were very much in love, very happy and wanted to grow their family with children. Weren't they a gorgeous couple filled with love? I can see it emitting from them. Can you?

FROM THE FAMILY

This is Finley Thomas Stailey. From here we will refer to him as F.T. Stailey. He was a professional butcher and quite the philosopher. He was also very dedicated to the church and his wife, Jackie, at the time of this photo. F.T. Stailey was in his early thirties at the time. He was quite handsome wouldn't you agree?

FROM THE FAMILY

This lovely woman is Jackie Langston Stailey. I believe she was in her early to mid 20's at the time of this photo. Jackie loved collecting things to go in special scrapbooks with special poems, ribbons, lace, and other very sweet meaningful items that were special to her. She was a remarkable woman and loved her husband deeply. She was a living example of living life to its fullest. She always found the positive things in life and was filled with an inspiring outlook on life at all times.

FROM THE FAMILY

This photo of F.T. & Jackie Stailey was right around the time that they had started searching for a beautiful baby to call their own. I'm not sure of their exact age but I believe that they were now in their mid to late 30's. They were such an attractive couple with so much love and support to offer a child. To me this is a true "Once Upon A Time" story for Mr. & Mrs. Stailey.

FROM THE FAMILY

In this photo Jackie in her white dress, and looking forward to meeting her new baby boy in Abilene. She was in her mid to late 30's at the time she met and adopted her son, Ron, with her husband F.T. Can you just imagine how very excited they were to actually meet their new son?

FROM THE FAMILY

Here he is, Ronnie Jan Stailey, the beautiful baby boy Mr. & Mrs. Stailey had been praying for. Finally, their prayers had been answered and they finally got to hold him in their arms and bring him to their home on the farm in Eula, TX. We believe this is one of the first photos that F.T. and Jackie were able to get of their new little boy. He was born in the Abilene, TX hospital on October 12, 1944. (Fun side note, Shari, Ron's daughter was born in the same hospital on October 10, 1965.) Ron & Shari always thought this was just fun to get to share their birthdays! :)

FROM THE FAMILY

Photo Left - This is the one and only photo that we have in our possession of Jackie with her son, Ron. They were enjoying the sunshine that day. It appears that Jackie was having quite the conversation of how beautiful and special her baby boy is and that she was so grateful to have him to call her own. He sure looks like he was listening intently to all that she had to say. Unfortunately, Jackie passed away from brain cancer when Ron was five years of age. This is most likely the reason that we do not have in our possession more photos of them together as she became very ill following this photo. Ron was three months old in this photo. What a love emitting from these two together in this single photo. Jackie sure was proud of her baby boy, that is for certain.
Photo Right - F.T. Stailey with his son, Ron, right about the same age of three months. Can you see the comfortableness of these two together and the sense of pride that his dad had in this photo? Mr. & Mrs. Stailey waited a long time for this precious little boy and looked forward to a long happy life together.

FROM THE FAMILY

Here's Ron at the approximate age of six months at a photoshoot. What a handsome little man he was at this age and yes, he was a very large little boy. His birth weight was 12 lbs and at a whopping 22 or 23 inches long. I'd say by looking at this photo he was one very happy little boy and smiling at his parents as this photo was taken.

FROM THE FAMILY

Photo Left - Ron as a toddler at the age of approximately one year old. It appears that he was getting real familiar with his walking and running skills while playing in the yard at the farmhouse in Eula.
Photo Right - Ron was sitting on the homemade swing that his daddy had made for his mama to spend time enjoying the outside yard on beautiful days. I feel like my daddy was having a gibberish conversation with his mama in this photo and was fully involved in his conversation. He seems so very comfortable there.

Biography

Ron Stailey's - Biography - Written by: Shari Stailey-Floyd

Ron Stailey, 75, of Farmington, New Mexico joined his Father God in Heaven on November 25, 2019. He was born in Abilene, Texas on October 12, 1944 becoming the precious son to the late Finley Thomas Stailey and Jessie Langston Stailey (Jackie).

Ron spent the majority of his childhood in Eula and Abilene, Texas. Following his high school years, he enlisted into the US Army, serving his country for two years and fought in the Vietnam War. After completing his military service and returning to the United States, he went to visit his parents (F.T Stailey and his 2nd wife, Jessie Eloise Stailey) in Colorado. While attending church with his parents one Sunday morning, he met the love of his life, Wanda Alexander.

Ron and Wanda were married on May 31, 1964 where their life together began to blossom into a family. Ron moved his very pregnant wife to Abilene, Texas. It was two years later that he moved his family to Austin, Texas where he then joined the Austin Fire Department serving and saving lives until retirement. Ron and Wanda had one daughter, Shari, and one son, Thomas.

In 1978, Ron moved his family to the lovely town of Round Rock, Texas. He finished raising his children. He won many worldwide contests in his most loved hobby: Ham Radios. He raised and raced homing pigeons. His drive to try something new led him to build and fly model airplanes. To showcase his creativity, he built custom clocks that were sold at local festivals.

Ron attended St. William Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus where he put his faith into action, serving and protecting families within his community as well as other areas around the world.

Ron made many friends worldwide with his charity work and ham radio. He was loved by many. He will be remembered for his hard work and commitments, his sense of humor, practical jokes, and his profound love of God and family.

Written in loving memory for my daddy.

Until We Meet Again,

Shari Stailey-Floyd



Ron Stailey's - Eulogy - Written by: James C. Floyd

Thank you all for coming here today to recognize and celebrate the life of Ron Stailey, my Grandad, with us.

The program you have for today has a nice, short summary of his life, and later on after today's service - I encourage you to visit the Cook Walden website and read the beautiful biography my mother wrote to honor him, as well as the other kind words that others have taken the time to write in his memory; but that's not why I have the honor of standing up here today.

Let's delve a bit deeper now into just who and what was/is Ron Stailey. Each one of you here have thoughts, feelings, and many memories. All of these beautiful memories you hold, that fill your heart and soul, and could never be replaced... That right there is exactly who and what Ron Stailey was. Treasure those memories, keep them precious, share them through stories and kind words with smiles and laughter, and he shall forever live in your heart.

Ron was an Army Veteran who served Honorably in the Vietnam War. This made him not only my Grandad, but eventually my brother in arms. I looked up to him throughout my childhood and perhaps even more now. His stories helped to prepare me for life and war both on and off the battlefield. He was also a firefighter for 25 years, thus further proving his Hero status in my eyes and encouraging answering the call to serve. Who wouldn't want to live a life worthy of his admiration? I know I did, still do, and always will.

For my family, Ron [or PaPa, as I - the first born Grandkid (#1 Grandson), had the privilege to name him] was and always will be a foundational pillar and influential example. He will always be known as a "class clown" too. He was known for his humor and practical jokes. There wasn't a day that went by where he wasn't doing something to make you smile and laugh. Just one example would be how he could make and convince you that passing gas was funny; by acting as though the act itself was simply a form of "Roll Call" (Raise hand and say "Present!"). He'd even rate them using the Olympic scale on occasion. Another example of his joking nature, that we were reminded of recently, was when my Grandma's best friend Perry Smith, locked her keys in her car and called PaPa for assistance... So what did he do? He dispatched the largest fire engine he could, lights and sirens blaring, he had a firefighter jump out with a big axe and exclaim: "Where do you want the hole, Lady!?" Of course Perry was shocked/wide-eyed and asked: "Is that really necessary?!?". The firefighters then busted out in laughter saying: "Ron sent us." and it was a great laugh had by all.

He always had ways of making you feel special... For instance, for the girls and ladies in the family, after a shopping trip, he'd sit and let you model each new outfit and give you his seal of approval with a whistle and saying: "You look prettier than a speckled pup in a red wagon!". Speaking for myself and my mom, it was always a privilege to sit in during his Ham Radio contests. We felt really special when he enlisted our "help" in order to win. Then it was like a badge of Honor that we wore proudly when we won and he'd tell us - with full, sincerity in his eyes - the he "Couldn't have done it without you". Speaking of his love of competition, everyone here knows that he was a Dominant Force within the Ham Radio community and that was his favorite "hobby" turned into a business. He is even credited (along with CS-WS7I) with creating the "CQ World Wide RTTY WPX Contest" and the "North American QSO Party RTTY Event" because he loved to be challenged.

What you may not know is that he wasn't into sports very much, however, when you watched a game together, his favorite team was whichever team you were rooting against. The only time this mindset didn't apply was when he was watching football with his Dad (The Cowboys were their team). I learned early on to wait and see which team others were rooting for and how PaPa reacted, then I'd just join him in rooting for whoever everyone else was against. Being on PaPa's team was Always fun.

My Grandad was an Awesome and Amazing Man. One that I'm Proud to say had a lot to do with the Man I've become, and I will continue to live my life in such a way that makes him proud. I truly hope each and every one of you can and will say something similar while recognizing his impact on your life.

He was, is, and forever will be loved by everyone that knew him.

Heroes, through story, become Legends and therefore never die.

Ron Stailey was Legendary, So shall He Live on Forever.


Love You Forever PaPa,

- James Casey Floyd



Ron's Brother, Bob Cowan, also had a eulogy and spoke straight from his heart and didn't follow something that he had written. He simply said with all the love he had within him what he wanted to say. He told us all how thankful he was for Mr. and Mrs. Stailey raising his brother. As well, he thanked the brothers Richard and Charles Ivey for being such good brothers to him throughout his life. He told us how it was that Ron had been given up for adoption and a bit about the circumstances surrounding that decision. He spoke about how much he loved his brother and how grateful he was that his family had found him. He spoke about how close, connected, and how bonded he and his brother, Ron, had become in the short years they'd had together. Bob also thanked everyone for accepting the Cowan family into their lives as well. I wish I had recorded all that my Uncle Bob said to everyone that day, because everything he said was touching and beautiful. Uncle Bob also sang the song “Soldiers Again” in honor of his brother. That song touched everyone that attended the services. I am posting the lyrics to that beautiful song below. As well, Uncle Bob, sent me a letter telling us the story of the search for his brother, the entire story of how and when they met and other times they shared together. I will post this letter below the song lyrics as well.

Thank you so much for sharing your heartfelt words during your eulogy, Uncle Bob. Thank you for singing the beautiful song "Soldiers Again". We felt all of the love that you poured into singing that song. Thank you for sending the story about finding your brother and all of the wonderful moments that you were able to share together.

We love you too and we are your family also,

- Shari Stailey-Floyd

"Soldiers Again" Song Lyrics

Backyard soldiers, little boys
We fought the enemy with little toys
Sticks for swords, hands for guns
Every battle always won.

But as we grew and went our way
We forgot about our soldier days
No more swords, no more guns
No more battles to be won.

But we were wrong
We did not see we still had an enemy
So now we stand Friend with friend
We are soldiers once again.

We are soldiers again
In the army of the Lord
We are soldiers again
And His Word is our sword
We will not be denied with Him by our side
We know the victory we'll win
We will fight till the end
Soldiers again.

And we still can't even see
The one we are fighting
But we stand with One who can,
the Lord God Almighty.

We are soldiers again
In the army of the Lord
We are soldiers again
And His Word is our sword
We will not be denied with Him by our side
We know the victory we'll win
We will fight till the end
Soldiers again.

Letter from Bob Cowan,

The year before our mom died (she died in 1999), my mother had gone blind. All she could see was an image or a figure. Anyway, she told one of the girls about Dad making her give Ron up if she wanted him to marry her with 3 kids already. Mom wanted Ron to know she was going totally blind, in case he was having issues with his eyes. Mom still remembered the town (Abilene, TX), what hospital and what day he was born! She carried that in her heart and mind for 50-51 years and never told anyone. Well, the girl thought Mom was losing her mind and didn't tell anyone! About a week later, Mom told another one of the girls. She also thought Mom was 'losing it' and didn't tell. But the 3rd girl, a week later, couldn't keep it in and told the other girls. Each story was just alike right down to the where, when and what hospital. So the search for Ron was on!

Mom passed away not knowing whether we found him (Ron) or not. My sister, Linnie, took it upon herself to keep looking for him. After almost 3 years of looking, she almost gave up, but tried one more thing. She got on the internet and went to a site where you pay them to look for loved ones, and filled out all of the information she had on Ron and paid them, I believe $20.00. A few weeks later they called and said they believed they found Ron. After 2 DNA tests we were 98% sure he was our long lost brother!

We found Ron in 2001, I don't remember the actual date. It was in the Spring or Summer. I know I was in Abilene, TX. My wife and I were at my sister, Anna Faye's, for their 50th Wedding Anniversary. That Saturday night Linnie called and asked me to call Ron and welcome him to the family - so I said I would! I called Ron, he was at a Ham Radio Convention in Dallas. We talked awhile then I asked how long he was going to be in Dallas. He said he was leaving the next morning, going to Abilene! I said, "What time are you going to get there?" He said, "About 10 A.M." So I said, "How about that! I am in Abilene now!" We made plans to meet at an eating place on the Interstate and have brunch. I called Linnie and told her Ron was going to Abilene the next day. She said, "So?" I said I just wanted her to know and she said something like, "You're not going to Abilene tomorrow anyway, are you?" I said, "No, I'm already there!" She called me a dirty dog...here she had done all the leg work and I was the first to get to meet him. She got over it, finally...LOL!!

We met about 10:00 the next morning and had a great time! I told him about all the brothers and sisters and Mom. I told him why she gave him up. It was an emotional visit in some ways, but a great one. I was the first Cowan he had met. They, the other sibs, met Ron in Dallas about 2 weeks later. I didn't go. They apologized to Ron and told him they were so glad he went ahead and met them "even after having met Bob first"!! They were glad he didn't hold meeting me first against them!

We met in Temple, TX that same year. I think it was July because we had a surprise birthday party for Linnie - her 50th! Her birthday is July 31st. (There are pictures of the group in the memories section). I believe brother Don Cowan and wife, Mary; sister Sue and her husband, Elton Snodgrass; sister Ann and her husband, Wayland Walton; and I want to say brother Bill Baker and wife, Billie, were all there along with Dee, T-Ann, Carl, Rosa, Jessie, Linnie, Bob (myself), Barbara and Marjorie. Lots of kids and grandkids of all of us also. We all met at a hotel for a long weekend and had a wonder time!!

I went later myself and visited with Ron and Wanda in Round Rock, TX but I don't remember what year that was. Ron met me at the airport in Austin. I don't remember what year Ron's step mom passed away, but I want to say I met her the year I went to Austin along with Ron's brother that I met again at Ron's funeral....really nice brother and lovely Mom! We dropped by Clyde, TX and saw Bill (Baker) and his boys, also.

I wanted to go to church with Ron and Wanda to see how Catholics 'tick' and be in a church service. I guess Ron thought I was just humoring him about going. He knew how strong I am in my Church of God 7th Day faith. I said, "What time are we going to church Sunday morning?" And Ron said, "We aren't going." He didn't want to make me go. I said "Look, I came down here to see you, visit and to be sure I went to a church service with you." I had never been to a Catholic church service before and I was impressed. Those people do a lot in their services and have communion, without the foot washing, every week. (We call it the Lord's Supper Service, with foot washing, once a year). On our way out, Ron and Wanda partook of the wafer and cup. Ron said, "You won't be able to take it, though." I said, "How are they going to know I'm not Catholic?" He said, "Cause I told them you weren't, so they won't let you!" I really enjoyed myself that long weekend!

Six year ago, our oldest son, Rob, and daughter-in-law, Eliza, took Jeanette and I on a trip of a lifetime! We were gone 9 days. We went to the Grand Canyon and up into Utah. We really had a blast, it surely was the trip of a lifetime for me! I had told Rob that, if we were going within a couple hundred miles of Ron, I wanted to go by and have one meal at least with Ron and Wanda. We started out from home and went west to Albuquerque, NM, then turned north and went to Farmington to see Ron and Wanda. We were saddened to find out Wanda was down with the stomach bug, not feeling well at all. We did stop to have breakfast with Ron down at the Cafe. Breakfast was great and we enjoyed our short visit. Ron and I became real close and we talked every month or two. He'd call me sometimes and I would call him. We always had lots to talk about! I won't forget the last time I talked with Ron, he was really down in spirit, he wasn't feeling well at all. I told Jeanette that Ron was on his last leg if he didn't snap out of it. I told him he needed to snap out of it or I may have to come out there and kick his butt and give him a jump start! He said I probably could do it with ease now and to just come on! It wasn't long after that, maybe a month or two, that he passed.

Ron was taken out of my life the first 49 years by a selfish old man who thought more about himself than my brother--sorry, I still have bad feelings over all that. I hope this helps. I wouldn't trade my time with Ron for nothing!! He was my bud!!

- Bob Cowan


The Poem Read At Ron's Funeral:

"When Tomorrow Starts Without Me"

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not here to see
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me.

I wish you wouldn't cry the way you did today
While thinking of the many things we did not get to say.

I know how much you love me as much as I love you
Each time that you think of me I know you will miss me too.

When tomorrow starts without me please try to understand
That an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand.

The angel said my place was ready in Heaven far above
And that I would have to leave behind all those I Dearly Love.

But When I walked through Heaven's gates I felt so much at home
When GOD looked down and smiled at me from His golden throne.

He said This is Eternity and all I promised you
Today for life on earth is done but Here it starts anew,

I promise no tomorrow for today will always last
And since each day's the exact same way there is no longing for the past.

So When Tomorrow starts without me do not think we're apart
For every time you think of me remember I'm right here in your heart.



Ron's Obituary - Written by: Shari Stailey-Floyd

Ronnie Jan Stailey, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, November 25, 2019 in Farmington, New Mexico. Ron was 75 years of age.

Ron was born in Abilene, Texas on October 12, 1944 becoming the precious son to the late Finley T. Stailey and Jessie Langston Stailey. He was raised and attended High School in Eula, Texas. Ron was a Veteran having served with the United States Army. He was employed as a Firefighter Specialist at the Austin Fire Department. He served time at numerous fire stations throughout Austin and with (CFR) Crash Fire & Rescue at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport. Ron was a caring, loving and truly devoted husband, father, grandfather and a friend to so many. He will be forever remembered for his true one of a kind personality that was filled with laughter, generosity and many jokes. He was passionate about his family, friends. He also had a deep love and interest for Ham radios, Contesting (He was very competitive), attending and participating in Ham Radio conventions, and in all aspects with the art of Amateur Ham Radio Operations. Throughout his life there were many hobbies that brought him great joy these included raising and racing homing pigeons, raising hunting dogs, building custom clocks, flying model airplanes and fixing up antique cars to just mention a few.

Ron is preceded in death by his mother, Jessie Langston Stailey; father, Finley T. Stailey; step mother, Jessie Eloise Stailey; brother, Richard Ivey; brother; Bill Baker; Sister's Jo Baker and Dee Baker; and his great granddaughter, Mia Lee Bevins.

He is Survived by his wife of 55 years Wanda Alexander Stailey; Daughter, Shari Stailey- Floyd; Son, Thomas Karl Stailey; GrandSON, James C. Floyd; Granddaughters, Jaclynn Stailey, Brittney Bevins, Brooke Henderson and Jessica Stailey; Great Grandchildren, Ashton, Bentley, Jesse and Ryker; 4 step great grandchildren; Brother, Charles Ivey; Half Siblings T-Ann, Carl, Rosa, Jessie, Linnie, Bob, Barbara, Marjorie Cowan; and Step Siblings; The Baker family; nieces, Courtney, Allison and Cameron; nephews Rick and Randy as well as many extended family and close friends.