Kenneth Rorie

Kenneth Lynn Rorie, 76, was born in Dallas, Texas, on June 16, 1948, to Rev. Kenneth Glenn Rorie and Nancy Rorie. Ken passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, due to complications of Alzheimer’s in Plano, Texas.

Ken grew up in parsonages across north Louisiana, where his father served in the Louisiana United Methodist Church Conference. Ken was recognized as a talented track athlete at Byrd High School in Shreveport, LA, and those talents earned him a full scholarship to Louisiana Tech University.

At Louisiana Tech Ken continued to do well in track, winning first place in the college conference in both of his events in his junior year. Ken was a gifted hurdler, who worked hard during his track career, and was one of the All-Time Letterwinners at Tech in track and field from 1967-1970. While at Tech, Ken met Floy Wilcoxen, who became his loving and supportive wife of 52 years. Their marriage was a point of pride to Ken and he never failed to speak of Floy as his Alzheimer’s progressed.

In 1987, Ken moved his family, which at this time included Floy and their two daughters Amy and Megan, to Plano, Texas. Ken began his own company, Kentex, while living in Plano. During the years he owned Kentex, Ken became a world traveler. He often told Floy that he never imagined himself sitting at a government dinner in China or traveling to Moscow in the dead of winter to negotiate contracts. He brought home many mementos and wonderful stories, which he shared with his family and friends.

Since Ken traveled frequently, he often regretted he couldn’t serve his church in a greater way. He did do much for Christ United Methodist Church in Plano. He is remembered by his Sunday school class for his leadership and volunteerism with the Men’s Service Group and is remembered for his work with the church’s nursing home ministry. His last days were spent in Brookdale Creekside Memory Care, coming full circle as part of his work with the nursing home ministry was taking services to memory care centers in Plano.

Ken is survived by his wife, Floy; two daughters and their husbands, Amy and Jason Roddy and Megan and Robert Kidwell. He leaves behind two beloved grandchildren, Margaret and Samuel Roddy. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Jeri Rorie and nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father and by his brother Thomas David Rorie. Ken cherished his friendships and relationships and will be missed by many.

There will be a memorial service Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church in Plano, Tx.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Christ United Methodist Church https://cumc.com/give/