R.B. Lingerfelt

R.B. Lingerfelt was born May 8, 1946. The youngest of five siblings, R.B. established his fierce independence as a young boy in Gainesville, Georgia. During tough economic times, he took on odd jobs and responsibilities beyond his years to ensure the family's needs were met. This protective nature and determined work ethic endured as he accompanied his mother to Texas in 1959, the setting for his next adventures, including his first part-time job at a family-owned grocery store, baseball, football, swimming, and playing the trumpet.

R.B. served in the U.S. Navy from 1963 - 1966, completing two tours in Vietnam. While stationed in Long Beach, California, he met the love of his life, Patricia. "Tex" sweet-talked her back to the Lone Star State, where they were married and began a family in Houston. He started his career in machining at Mission Manufacturing but later moved out of the city to start his own business. From 1976 - 1989, R.B. was an active member of the community in Shepherd, Texas, where he pastored New Life Outreach church, served as band boosters president, played on the Wampus Cats softball team, and was employed by EGC Houston. In April 1989, R.B. went to work at Marathon Refinery in Texas City, continuing employment there as a Maintenance Machinist until his retirement in 2004.

Outside of work, R.B. was passionate about gardening, fishing, hunting, baseball, and family. He was known in the neighborhood for helping with quick-fix jobs (like replacing a water heater), generously sharing vegetables from his garden, and encouraging the next generation to live their dreams. Through his hard work and sacrifice, R.B. ensured that his family would have every opportunity for success, always ready with sound advice or a push in the right direction. His wisdom and humor will be greatly missed.

A devoted Christian, R.B.'s faith sustained him throughout this life and carried him into eternity on Saturday, December 10, at home and surrounded by family per his request. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ruby Mae Long and Clifford Dee Long, his brothers, James and Herbert, and sister, Clara Mae (Prissy) Ament.

R.B. is survived by his precious wife of 50 years, Patricia Romaine Cunningham Lingerfelt, Texas City. Sons: Clifford Alan Lingerfelt and wife Sheila, Montgomery, Texas. Michael Stephen Lingerfelt and wife Patricia, Pearland, Texas. Charles Robert Lingerfelt, Texas City, Texas. Daughter: Angela Renee Lingerfelt Silvagnoli and husband Felix, Pearland, Texas. Five Grandchildren: Brandi Nicole Lingerfelt Johnson and husband Cody, New Waverly, Texas. Alexander Daniel Silvagnoli, Pearland, Texas. Cole Thomas Lingerfelt and Kyle Aaron Lingerfelt, Montgomery, Texas. AnaElena Ruby Lingerfelt, Pearland, Texas. One Great-grandchild: Clara Mae Johnson, New Waverly, Texas. Brother: Charles Franklin Lingerfelt, Onondaga, Michigan. Numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at noon on Thursday, December 15 at Emken Linton Funeral Home in Texas City, with Michael Lingerfelt and Lesly Wilkinson officiating. Graveside service will follow at Peebles Cemetery in Goodrich, Texas. Pallbearers: Cody Johnson, Wayne Johnson, Cole Lingerfelt, Kyle Lingerfelt, Allen Long, George Primrose, Alexander Silvagnoli, and Charles Wright. Honorary bearers: Alan Cunningham, Charles Robert Lingerfelt and Charles Franklin Lingerfelt.

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