Ronnie Autry

A memorial visitation for Ronnie Autry will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 pm Friday, November 29, 2019, in the Chapel of George J. Carroll Funeral Home in Gainesville.

Ronald Glenn “Ronnie” Autry, 78, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2019, in Gainesville.

Ronnie was born in Gainesville on October 24, 1941, to Jesse Glenn “Buddy” Autry and Ella “Lucille” (Rivoire) Autry.

He grew up in Gainesville and was very active in sports beginning at a young age all the way through junior college. In 1956, Ronnie played youth baseball at Locke Field for the Pony league team, the Druggists.  Often called the “tiny sprinter”, he ran like a Leopard flash for the Gainesville High track team at Leeper Stadium and was one of only two Leopards to place in the 1959 6-AAA District Meet. Ronnie played football as a Gainesville Leopard Running Back throughout high school, and during his Senior year, was under the direction of head coach Buddy Ryan.  His quick and nimble athleticism earned him the nickname “Twinkle Toes” from his teammates.

After graduation from Gainesville High School in 1960, Ronnie attended Stephen F. Austin College in Nacogdoches, where he studied Animal Husbandry.

He married Jeannie Roberts on September 23, 1961, in Marietta, OK, and they made their home in Gainesville.  Ronnie was employed by Santa Fe Railroad for a brief time. Later, he was co-owner with his dad and brother of Autry & Sons Trucking Co. in Gainesville, hauling livestock. The nickname “Twinkle Toes” followed him into his lifelong career as a truck driver, becoming his CB radio handle. In 1988, he ventured out under his own name. Upon his retirement in 2004, he had spent almost four decades on the road.

Ronnie remained an avid sports fan of football and baseball, staying loyal to the Cowboys and Texas Rangers.  He had a green thumb and a passion for growing roses of many varieties.  He loved being outdoors and spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Jeannie Autry of Gainesville, son Daubie Autry and wife Nanette of Whitesboro, daughter Pamela Doyle of Arlington, son Corie Autry and wife Jan of Gainesville; grandchildren Monica Autry of Tennessee, Jessica and Jecca Autry of Whitesboro, Darcy Doyle of Arlington, and Matt Autry of Gainesville; brother Robby Autry of Gainesville; nephew Ross Autry of Gainesville.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law Jim Doyle.

We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our special family at Renaissance Care Center for his exceptional care.  The family would also like to thank Cooke County Hospice for their compassionate love and support.

Ronnie loved Jeannie dearly and was more concerned with her care than his own. In memory of Ronnie and in honor of Jeannie, please consider making a contribution to the National MS Society at www.nationalmssociety.org