Ronnie Ray Sprabary
July 19, 1950 – September 25, 2025

Ronnie Ray Sprabary, beloved son, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025, at the age of 75.

Ronnie was born on July 19, 1950, in Denton, Texas, to Kenneth Ray and Mauda Ray (Gilbreath) Sprabary. His early years were deeply shaped by both love and loss, as his mother passed away when he was only three years old. In 1958, his father married Frances Ann (Saxton) Sprabary, who became the devoted mother that lovingly raised and guided Ronnie throughout his life.

Ronnie grew up in San Antonio alongside his two beloved sisters, Cynthia Ann and Christine. He attended Edison High School, where he was a member of the swim team and developed a lifelong love of swimming. He also discovered a gift for mechanics in Auto Shop, becoming skilled at fixing cars—an ability that proved invaluable during his early years of marriage and throughout his life.

In high school, Ronnie met the love of his life, Maxine Marie Reed. The two were married on November 13, 1968, in San Antonio, Texas, and soon moved to Denton, Texas, where they raised their three children: Threasa Ann, Melissa Marie, and Rex Aaron.

Ronnie worked as a proud Union Ironworker from 1982 until his retirement in 2012. He was a very talented welder, a skill he utilized throughout his career, though he performed many other aspects of the trade as well. His work took him across the United States and even into Canada, building projects that stood as a testament to his dedication and craftsmanship. Among the buildings he was most proud of were the LTV Tower in Dallas (his first job), the Alliance Airport cantilever hangar in Fort Worth, and the Alamodome in San Antonio. Beyond the work itself, Ronnie cherished the brotherhood of the Ironworkers, whose camaraderie, grit, and loyalty meant as much to him as the buildings he helped create. Passing on the trade was one of his greatest joys, and he took pride in seeing his son Rex, and grandson Alec, continue the legacy of ironworking.

Ronnie also had a tender heart for animals, and throughout the years, he lovingly cared for several dogs and cats who brought him joy and companionship.

A man of faith, he was a Christian who found comfort in studying the Bible. He especially cherished the many conversations he shared with his parents about faith, crediting their prayers and guidance as the foundation of his walk with the Lord.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Sprabary; his mother Mauda Ray Sprabary; and the mother of his children, Maxine Wyatt.

He is survived by his mother, Frances Sprabary; his children, Threasa Collier and husband Randy, Melissa Meyer and husband Mark, and Rex Sprabary; and his grandchildren, Bailey Hoffpauer, Alec Sprabary, Susanna Hoffpauer, Thomas Hoffpauer, Emma Sprabary, Maggie Sue Collier, and Amelia Skaggs; his sisters, Cynthia Polasek and husband Jerry Lee, and Christine Doege and husband Royce; He is also remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Ronnie will be remembered for his hard work, his faith, his love for his family, and the mark he left on the world through the buildings he helped create and the trade he passed down.

A service to honor Ronnie's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors, 2025 W. University Dr., Denton, Texas 76201.