Rufus Priddy

Rufus Priddy, 91, passed away on October 18, 2025, in Amarillo, Texas. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Rufus lived a life marked by faith, discipline, and a deep commitment to learning and service. Born on December 16, 1933, in Houston, Texas, Rufus grew up with a strong foundation in faith and family. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1955 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Shortly after graduation, he served his country as a sergeant in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958, stationed in Germany. Rufus began his professional career at Shell Oil Company immediately after university—a relationship that would span decades. He retired at the age of 58 after a long and fulfilling career. He often spoke fondly of the people he worked with and the variety of assignments he undertook. Among his favorite roles were his time at the credit card center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and his work establishing services for Shell’s petrochemical plant in Saudi Arabia. A man of many passions and talents, Rufus was an accomplished amateur photographer whose skill rivaled that of professionals. Over the years, he built an extraordinary catalog of 187,000 photographs taken during his travels around the world. His love for photography was matched by his lifelong devotion to reading—particularly historical subjects—with a special focus on American history and World War II. His intellectual curiosity led him to visit many of the sites he studied so deeply. Rufus also followed in the footsteps of his father and uncles by immersing himself in biblical study. He dedicated countless hours each week preparing to teach others about scripture. His love for God’s word was evident not only in his studies but also in the thoughtful conversations he shared with others who sought deeper understanding. Faith was central to Rufus’s life. From birth until death, he was an active churchgoer who saw worship as both a personal expression of faith and a way to build community among believers. Whenever he moved to a new city—whether for work or family—the first priority was always finding a church where he could serve. Those who knew Rufus will remember his dry sense of humor, unwavering discipline, and perfectionist nature. He was an avid reader and history buff who never stopped learning or exploring new ideas. He loved college football and was always ready for a spirited conversation about teams and games. Above all else, Rufus cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife Jo Ann Priddy; cousin and brother-in-heart Thomas Priddy; daughters Melinda Mainland (Clinton) and Sharon Keith (Mike); grandchildren Abby Barba (Jacob), Austin Warner, Lyndon Mainland, and great-granddaughter Haevyn. His family remembers him as a devoted husband whose love guided every decision; as a loving father whose wisdom shaped their lives; as a grandfather whose presence brought joy; and as a good friend whose loyalty never wavered. We close this remembrance with full hearts and the recognition that words cannot fully capture all that Rufus meant to those who knew him well. May his memory bring comfort to all who mourn his passing while celebrating the remarkable life he lived through faith, service, knowledge—and love. A Memorial Service will be held on November 12, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church Chapel 1208 South Tyler Street, Amarillo, TX 79101.

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Rufus Priddy

December 16, 1933 - October 18, 2025