L. C. Rorie

Stamford resident Linon Carrol Rorie passed away in his home Saturday, February 27, 2010 after a lengthy illness. L.C., as friends and family lovingly referred to him, is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Ruby along with one son, Steven Michael Rorie, of McKinney, TX; three daughters, Debbie Ann Lee and husband Glenn of Abilene, TX; Andra Uchniat and husband Gene of Flower Mound, TX; and Linda Lea Epley of Andrews, TX; ten grandchildren, and one great granddaughter, He is preceded in death by two sisters, three brothers and one son Jeff Alan Rorie.

Born on October 17, 1920, L.C. graduated from Stamford High School in 1938 and joined the National Guard, Company K, 142 ^nd Infantry 36 ^th Division that same year. L.C. was mobilized to active duty on November 25, 1940 and served his country a total of 28 years as a pilot of fighter and fighter/bomber aircraft including the P-38, P-39, P-40, P-51 and the P-63. L.C.‘s primary combat duty during WWII was flying low level anti-submarine missions off the coast of Africa. L.C. also served tours of duty in the Korean Conflict as well as Vietnam. L.C’s flying career also included single and multi-engine jets and transport aircraft. During his military career, L.C. flew 23 combat sorties and served five overseas tours of duty. L.C. retired from the Air Force in 1967 and moved his family back to Stamford where he lived the remainder of his life.

After retiring from the Air Force Defense Command in Colorado Springs, CO, L.C. purchased land and equipment and began a long and successful career as a farmer until again retiring in 1987. L.C. was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Stamford having committed his life to Christ in 1932. L. C. dedicated his life to service of this country and the loving care of his family. He will be remembered for this dedication to hard work, discipline, honesty, integrity, and moral character.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Stamford with Rev. Jacob West officiating. Burial will follow with full military honors in Highland Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home. The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday.