Robert Perry Runnels' Obituary
Robert Perry Runnels
Birthdate: November 22, 1934
Death: November 29, 2024
90 years old
A much-loved father and grandfather, Robert Perry Runnels, age 90, passed away at his home on November 29, 2024.
He was born on November 22, 1934, in Shelby, Texas, to Joe Runnels and Perrie Lucille Smith. He grew up in Beaumont but eventually moved to Austin, where he attended the University of Texas and earned a business degree while working full-time at the Texas Employment Commission. After graduating, he served in the Army and later joined the Reserves.
He met and married Carolyn Harris on December 23rd, 1959, and they had two children, Kay and Jason.
In his early 30s, Robert began a successful career at Xerox Corporation, where he started as a local sales representative selling copy machines. He rose quickly in the ranks and ultimately served as the Regional VP.
He retired at 50 but wasn’t ready to slow down! He and Carolyn built a home at Cedar Creek Lake, and he enjoyed the experience so much that he started Runnels Construction Company and built many homes in the lake community.
Robert loved golfing, cooking, and reading. He especially loved football! He was a regular at the Highland Park football games and loved watching “The Horns”! One of his favorite events of the year was hosting his own birthday dinner and making his world-famous gumbo. He had an excellent memory and was a great storyteller. His greatest joy came from his children and grandchildren.
While we are struggling with his loss, we are so thankful that a week before his death, he celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by his family.
A celebration of life will be held on March 8th at 10:30 A.M. at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas.
Survived by:
Daughter Allison Kay Batchelder and husband David Batchelder of Little Elm; son Jason Perry Runnels and wife Julie Runnels of Dallas; grandchildren: Lauren Barron, Bryce Batchelder, Emily Runnels, Colton Runnels, Harrison Runnels, Ford Batchelder, Nolan
Runnels, Carson Runnels, and Elizabeth Runnels; great-grandson Beckham Barron; great-granddaughter Ali Batchelder.
Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed, and very dear.
What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us. (Helen Keller)
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