David Renfro Memorial

Greeting and Statement of Purpose

Dear family today we are gathered together, from near and far, to remember the life of David Renfro.

Let’s pray together.

Biography

David Renfro was born in Dallas, Texas, and spent the majority of his life proudly as a Texan. He is survived by his son, Chris Renfro; his daughter, Rachel Renfro; and his beloved grandchildren, Reilly and Brielle. He is also survived by his brother, Mark Renfro; sister-in-law, Kathy Renfro; and his niece and nephew, Kiel and Kendall Renfro.

David grew up in a home with two loving parents and two brothers, Mark and Ronald Renfro. In high school, he played in the band, spent some time on the football field, and even did a little thespian work—early signs of a personality full of character, charm, and curiosity. As a teen, he sold programs at Texas Stadium back when the Cowboys were still known as the Dallas Texans—an experience that helped ignite a lifelong love for Cowboy football.

He went on to attend East Texas State University (now Texas A&M–Commerce), where he was a proud member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He witnessed a pivotal moment in history, standing at the JFK motorcade just moments before the assassination. In a strange twist of fate, he had also worked at the Texas School Book Depository—the very building from which the shots were fired.

Professionally, David lived many lives. He served as Chief Operations Officer for the Dallas-based brokerage firm Rauscher Pierce Refsnes, managed shoe stores, owned a sub shop and lawn care business, ran restaurants, and ultimately became a top-tier shoe salesman for several major department stores.

As much as he gave to his work, he gave even more to his community and family. He coached Chris’s little league and basketball teams throughout his youth and was instrumental in founding the East Mountain Little League—a league that still stands today—created with other local parents to serve communities that previously had no access to organized baseball. David also coached basketball and mentored young men in the East Mountains who were in foster care or transitioning out of youth detention centers, using sports as a bridge to connection, discipline, and hope.

David was a collector at heart—especially of sports memorabilia and autographs. He loved the music of the Bee Gees and the Beatles, and had a surprising appreciation for art, especially the work of Michael Atkinson. Though he hated reading, he had a deep love for learning, and carried a vast (and sometimes hilariously random) wealth of knowledge. He often dreamed of going on Jeopardy!

He was known for the oversized glasses perpetually perched on his nose, and the unmistakable “Renfro ears”—a trait that, thankfully, didn’t get passed on. In his younger years, he enjoyed a sharp suit and a night on the town, and he always dreamed of owning a red, two-door convertible sports car—a wish that never came to fruition but lived on in his imagination.

David cherished the quiet beauty of life: a drive through the East Mountains, a simple lunch in Madrid, peaceful afternoons in Santa Fe, and an Albuquerque spring on the front porch in the evening.

David Renfro will be remembered not just for the many roles he played—businessman, coach, mentor, trivia master, sports fan, music lover, father, grandfather, and brother—

Now I wish to read to you the beloved psalm of comfort, Psalm 23,

Psalm 23 ESV

A Psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Chris’ Eulogy

Chris will you come and share the eulogy of your father?

Ben’s Addition

Job

Job 7:17–18 ESV

17 What is man, that you make so much of him, and that you set your heart on him, 18 visit him every morning and test him every moment?

why are you picking on me?

David

Psalm 8:4 ESV

4 what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?

It is amazing that you care for me

He cares for us.

We are fearfully and wonderfully made.

He is compssionate and patient with us, for He knows our frame…

Psalm 103:13–14 ESV

13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. 14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.

Not only is He compassionate and patient with us.

He intimately loves us and cares for us in our darkest times, as David says in Psalm 56,

Psalm 56:8 LSB

8 You have taken account of my wanderings; Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?

He cared so much for us that He sent His only Son to be with us. To be born as a man and experience all that we do

to experience physical pain

to experience the pain of betrayal

to experience the pain of loss

to experience the pain of death itself

so that we who believe in Him might experience life and life everlasting.

Job’s wish

Job 7:21 LSB

21 “Why then do You not forgive my transgression And take away my iniquity?”

Slideshow

Prayer