Raymond Leon Root

Raymond Leon Root, age 79 of Amarillo, Texas was called home on October 22, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.

“Buddy” to his family, was born on August 22, 1939 to John R. and Leola Root at Saint Anthony’s Hospital in Amarillo TX. He was the younger brother to Edwin and foster brother to Evelyn Jackson.
Ray was married to Jan Pirkle for 59 years. They were blessed with 6 children - Lauri and husband Jimmy Capps of Socorro NM and their children Ryan and wife Samantha, Logan and wife Elizabeth and their children Weston and Gentry, and Aaron Capps; John Root and wife Ruth of Amarillo TX; Rhonda and husband Donny Dorsey of Forney TX and their children Trey Dorsey and Noah Dorsey; Dayna Root of Amarillo TX; Beverly and husband Robert Hawkins of Amarillo TX and their children Johnathan and wife Denisse and their children Sophia and Olivia, Andrew and wife Alli, Jacob Hawkins, and Kaylene Hawkins; Andee and husband Mike Funk of Dumas TX and their children Mitchell Funk and Coleman Funk.

Ray worked for Graybar Electric for 11 years, and then decided that they wanted to raise their children in Dalhart. He learned to make Jewelry, moved the family back to Dalhart and opened Diamonds, Ltd. After having this business for several years, he added a Radio Shack. When he no longer could see to make jewelry, he closed the jewelry store and expanded the Radio Shack. He sold the Radio Shack in 1985. He then worked as a car salesman, insurance salesman, and Municipal Judge. In 1989 he bought what became Root’s BarBQ in Dumas, Texas, and continued with this until he retired in 2000. Some of the proudest moments he had was to serve the Dallas Cowboy Legends, and the Stamps Quartet.
With the many interests of their children, Ray and Jan supported them by distributing the Amarillo Globe News for the Dalhart area. He continued this until he bought the restaurant in Dumas.
Ray loved the mountains; he and Jan would load up the kids in their PJs and drive overnight to Monument Lake. His children loved waking up in the mountains. When his mother passed away, he bought a cabin outside of Eagle Nest NM and a few years later, a boat. He and Jan spent their retirement years meeting what became their “Mountain Family”. Ray and his best fishing buddy, Jack McKee would get up early to go out on the lake. Ray and Jack would save up their catch and when they had enough, would invite all the Mountain Family over for Fish-Frys. He loved to go to the San Juan River and fly fish or be on Eagle Nest Lake and bring home Rainbow Trout or Salmon.
Ray always believed in giving back to the community and in his life, he served as President to the Dalhart Lions Club and served on the Dalhart Chamber of Commerce. While living in Dumas, he was an Elder at North Plains Christian Church.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents John R. and Leola Root, his brother Edwin, and one niece Cathy Jackson. He is survived by his wife Jan, His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as his sister-in-law Nancy Root, His brother-in-law Phillip Pirkle and wife Missy; nieces Tish Root, Helen Root, Susan Mosvick and Erin Pirkle and his nephews Tommy Jackson, Ricky Jackson, Mike Root and Jeff Pirkle, and numerous cousins.

Ray touched so many lives with his wit, wisdom and welcoming heart. He has been greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Gary Sinise Foundation First Responders Outreach.
www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate in memory of Ray L. Root at jpr39@yahoo.com