Albin Ray Kneggs Sr.

Albin Ray Kneggs, Sr.

Albin Ray Kneggs, Sr., 90, of Rowlett, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on August 8, 2026, with his beloved wife, Shirley, by his side.

Ray was born on August 6, 1936, in Bonham, Texas, to J.R. and Ruby Kneggs. He attended Greenville High School. He married the love of his life, Shirley Ann Webb, on August 5, 1955. Together, they shared 71 wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with family, faith, service, adventure, and love.

Ray was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, businessman, community leader, and man of faith. He dedicated more than 60 years to the commercial and residential electrical industry. In 1955, he founded Kneggs Electric, which operated for 58 years. Ray was an exceptional electrician and earned a perfect score on his Master Electrician examination—a distinction that, at the time, was unmatched.

Ray's entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond his electrical business. In 1968, he founded Kneggs Investment Properties and went on to build 47 commercial properties during his career. Through his vision, hard work, and dedication Ray played a significant role in the growth and development of both Garland and Rowlett, leaving a lasting impact on the communities that he loved. One of Ray’s greatest accomplishments was developing and building Rowlett’s first shopping center, the 1st Rowlett Center, which became an important part of the community’s early growth and development.

Throughout his life, Ray gave generously of his time and talents to his community. He served in numerous leadership positions, including as President of the Garland Chamber of Commerce, a Rowlett City Councilman, and a Board of Director for Garland Federal Savings and Loan. He served on Garland ISD bond committees and on numerous committees and boards for the City of Rowlett. He was also instrumental in bringing Highway 190 through Rowlett, an accomplishment that had a lasting impact on the community.

Ray’s faith was central to his life and guided him in all that he did. He served twelve years as a deacon at Garland First Assembly of God and was deeply devoted to his church family at Northplace. During his years at Northplace, Ray served on the Pastor Search Committee, completed multiple terms as a deacon/elder, and chaired one of the church’s building expansion campaigns. His love for the Lord and his church was evident in the many years he faithfully served and encouraged others. He also served on the foundation board at Nelson University, formerly Southwestern Assembly of God University.

One of Ray's greatest passions was Rotary International and its mission of service. He served as president of his local Rotary Club, Governor of the Dallas District, and later as the President's Representative for 19 different conferences around the world. He served as the PolioPlus Coordinator for six states and personally participated in administering polio vaccine drops to children in India. His commitment to helping others took him around the world and allowed him to touch countless lives.

Ray was also a remarkable example of perseverance. He was a 25-year survivor of Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. After his recovery, he devoted more than five years to volunteering at Texas Oncology, where he prayed with cancer patients, offered encouragement, and helped women choose wigs during their cancer journeys. His compassion and personal experience allowed him to bring comfort and hope to others facing difficult times.

Ray and Shirley shared a love of travel and spent their 71 years of marriage traveling throughout the world together. Their adventures created countless memories and stories that will be cherished by their family for generations.

Above all, Ray treasured his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose presence, wisdom, humor, faith, and generosity will be deeply missed.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, J.R. and Ruby Kneggs, and his sister, Mary Louise Bruner.,

He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Shirley Webb Kneggs; his children, Ray Jr. Kneggs and wife Lisa, Janet Rochen and husband Gene, and Chris Kneggs and wife Debbie; six grandchildren, Trey Kneggs and wife Neely, Leslie Rader and husband Tony, Taylor Siler and husband Clint, Laura Gore and husband Carl, Tara Montgomery and husband Max, and Matthew Hagler; and 13 great-grandchildren, Jake and Luke Rader, Bryan, William, Ruby and Savannah Kneggs, Skylar Gore, Brady and Cole Siler, and Wyatt, Lilly, Wesley and Logan Montgomery; his sisters, Sharon Akin and husband Carl Akin and Joyce Smith and husband BJ Smith.

Ray leaves behind a legacy far greater than his many professional and community accomplishments. He leaves a legacy of love, faith, service, perseverance, and devotion to family. His life was one of purpose, and the countless people he encouraged, served, prayed with, and helped will carry his memory forward.

He lived a long and remarkable life, but his greatest accomplishment was the life he built with Shirley and the family and community he loved so deeply.

His work on earth is complete, but his legacy of love and service will live on in all who knew him.