Rodney Flanagan

Long time Runnels County Resident, Clyde Rodney Flanagan, went to be with his Lord on Friday, November 15th at the age of 85. He was born on December 2nd, 1938, on a small farm southeast of Ballinger to Clyde J. Flanagan and Evelyn Fay Stokes. Rodney is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn, of 47 years, his son Scott and wife Mylea and their children Alyssa, Shane, Avery, and Ben. He is also survived by his daughter Kellie Ebenstein and her husband Steve and their children Sterlin and his wife Hollee (Brecklynn, Harlynn), Kambree Pena and her husband Colton (Canon), Slade and Sawyer. Rodney is survived by his sister, Cordelia Yocham. Nephews include Eddie Yocham and his wife Valerie, Matt Yocham and his wife Sally, and Howard Yocham and his wife Dana, along with many great nieces and nephews. Rodney loved Carolyn’s family including her two sisters Connie Fryar and her husband Jim and Kay Barclay. He also had a special relationship with his nephews Matt (Erin) and Mark (Makenzie) Fryar and Neil (Michelle) Vickers. He was preceded in death by his loving niece Jennifer Bost. 

Rodney graduated from Ballinger High School in 1957 and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M in 1963. He instilled his love for A&M in his children and grandchildren, many of whom are Aggies. After graduation, Rodney lived and worked in Amarillo and Pecos, but his heart was in his hometown of Ballinger. He returned to Ballinger to work on the family ranch in 1970, however economic conditions forced him to get a job in town. The necessity of changing careers changed the course of his life and provided to be one of God’s greatest blessings. Rodney took a job as the Vocational Agriculture teacher in Ballinger High School where he served until 1985. He had many fond memories of his years as an ag teacher and found a calling in helping to build into the lives of young people. From there he took a job as the Ballinger Elementary Principal for 10 ½ years followed by a 2 ½ year stint as Superintendent in Ballinger. While he enjoyed his time serving as superintendent, he was the most happy when he was interacting with young people, especially the children at the elementary!

Rodney believed in serving the community he loved. He served on the Advisory Council of the First United Methodist Church. He also served as both a deacon and Elder at Grace Fellowship Church. He also served on the North Runnels Water Board, Ballinger Memorial Hospital Board, Ballinger Education Foundation, Region 15 Board of Directors and was an advisor to the Young Farmers Association and the Future Farmers of America.

Rodney Flanagan loved his God, his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Rodney's life will be held at 10:00 am, on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at The First Baptist Church of Ballinger.

Donations can be made to the Ballinger Memorial Hospital.