Ralph Lacy Way

Ralph Lacy Way went to be with his Lord and Savior at the age of 85 on January 27, 2022, at his home in Midland, Texas. Ralph was born October 23, 1936, in Texon, Texas, to Lacy Dan and Doris Pembrook Way.  The influences of ranching and oil in that small Reagan County town helped shape who he was and his desire to pursue a lifelong career in the oil and gas industry. He graduated from Reagan County High School in Big Lake in 1954 and obtained his degree in Petroleum Engineering from Texas Tech University. During his college years, Ralph married Barbara Black, served in the United States Air Force, became father to Karen and Karol Ann, and took his first oil and gas job with Pan American Petroleum in Brownfield.

Ralph’s independent spirit quickly led him to branch out on his own as an independent oil and gas operator.  In 1963, he and Barbara moved to Midland, where they made it their home, raised their five daughters, and pursued his fifty-plus years in the oil and gas industry. In 1998, he married Ann McCabe and together they shared a family of Ralph’s five daughters, Ann’s four sons, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ralph also devoted much of his time to his community serving 42 years on the Midland College Board as an elected trustee and on the Midland College Foundation Board. During his tenure, Midland College grew and prospered. Ralph was most proud of the College’s partnership with the Abel-Hangar Foundation, the Helen Greathouse Charitable Trust, and the Chapparal Foundation, establishing the Legacy Scholars Program.  This program pays for all tuition costs plus course-related fees for one year for high school graduates from Midland County.

Ralph was a dedicated and passionate supporter of his alma mater, Texas Tech.  He was the first “out-of-town” president of the Red Raider Club and served on its Board of Directors. In 2008, he was inducted into Texas Tech’s Academy of Petroleum Engineering.

He was active in Midland civic affairs, serving on various boards and committees, including serving as President of both the Petroleum Club of Midland and Midland Country Club.

Ralph was a loving, generous man with an incredible sense of humor and dry wit evident even throughout his illness to his last day. His many nicknames described well the man he was.  He was known as “Speckle” on the Texon ranch, “Precious” to his Midland buddies, and “the man with the cigar” to many.  But the name that brought him the most joy was “Grandad.”  Never was he happier than when surrounded by his girls, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Even when illness seemed to take over his body, time with family, grandkids, and especially the great-grandkids, would completely light up his face and give him an extra dose of strength and energy.  His demonstrated love of family throughout his life is by far the greatest legacy he has left, for which we are very grateful.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Ann McCabe-Way, sister Linda Way, and brother Richard Way.  He is survived by his five daughters, Karen Davis and husband Rick, Karol Ann Eads and husband Rusty, Kathryn Jackson and husband Rick, Kristi Jones and husband Rob, Kimberly Montgomery and husband Ben.  He is adored by his 16 grandchildren: Jordan Davis and wife Sara, Taylor Davis King and husband Thomas, Mills Davis Viehman and husband Andy, Emily Eads, Hillary Eads Hubbard and husband Christopher, Hayden Eads and wife Erin, Holt Eads, Will Jackson, Anna Jackson, Maggie Jackson, Tyler Jones and wife Lindy, Daniel Jones and wife Ariel, Clayton Jones, Mabry Montgomery, Webb Montgomery, Riggs Montgomery, and 13 great-grandchildren: Hazel, Louise and Julia Davis, Davis and Bates King, Charlie Viehman, Jake, Will and Haley Hubbard, Isobel, Mack and Jackson Eads, Jett Jones, and his sister Ann Schneemann and husband Bill, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Ralph is also preceded in death by Ann’s son, Jerry McCabe, and survived by Ann’s sons, Mike McCabe and wife Diana, Terry McCabe and wife Anna, Todd McCabe, Yvette McCabe (wife of Jerry McCabe), and Ann’s grandchildren: Jake McCabe and wife Cassey, Cody McCabe, Cooper McCabe, Parker McCabe, Maci McCabe, and Vance McCabe, and great-grandchildren Leddy Ann and Lainey Jane McCabe.

The Way family is so appreciative and thankful for the many caregivers and medical professionals who have compassionately cared for “Grandad,” loving on him and us.

A memorial service celebrating Ralph’s life will be held at First United Methodist Church of Midland on February 5, 2022, at 10:00, preceded by the graveside at Resthaven Cemetery at 9:00. Honorary Pallbearers include his grandsons, Jordan Davis, Thomas King, Andy Viehman, Christopher Hubbard, Hayden Eads, Holt Eads, Will Jackson, Tyler Jones, Daniel Jones, Clayton Jones, Webb Montgomery, and Riggs Montgomery.

Donations to honor his memory, if desired, may be made to Texas Tech Foundation, Inc. – Texas Tech University System, Financial Services, Box 45025, Lubbock, Texas 79409-5025; Midland College Foundation, 3600 N. Garfield, PAD 141, Midland, Texas 79705; Hospice of Midland, 911 West Texas, Midland, Texas 79701; or your charity of choice.