Member of the Month
October, 2009

Meet our October Member of the Month, Mr. Ralph R. "Dick" Carringer. Dick was born on September 5, 1926 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Dick came to Oklahoma with his parents in 1937. He has lived here all of his life except for the two years that he lived at Grand Lake.

Dick attended Irving Elementary, Webster Jr. High and Central High School. He graduated mid term in 1945 and immediately went into the United States Air Force. He was discharged in 1947.

Dick said that he had been in the tire business all of his working life, beginning in a recap shop when he was 13 years old. He worked with his father in the old Fredrickson Tire Company. He was a partner in the Remac Tire Shop on Britton Road for 25 years.

Dick has served in nearly all the offices at Village Christian Church. Among them are; Vice Chair of the Board, Administration, Property Committee, Finance Committee, Pastor Parish Committee and he also sings in the choir. Dick has served as a Deacon and is currently serving as an Elder. Dick joined Village Christian in 1966. He says he has many favorite hymns and it is hard to pick just one, so we are listing three that he is especially fond of. They are; Blessed Assurance, Palm 139 and How Great Thou Art.

Dick enjoys gardening and handyman jobs. He said that he used to buy homes and fix them up; he would do all the work, and then sell them.

Dick and his late wife Eve had 3 daughters, Cindy, Kathy & Karen. He has six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Dick’s favorite food is steak and he enjoys going to Mimis Cafe. Dick says he also enjoys reading.

When he wants to get away he says he likes to go to Grand Lake. He said when his children were young they would go every week-end after they moved back to Oklahoma City.

When asked what is a lesson life has taught him Dick replied “Stay busy, have a positive attitude and GROW with your life.

Written by Anita Basinger