Edward Ray Ebinger

Edward Ray Ebinger, age 88, died at Presbyterian Village North in Dallas, Texas on Thursday February 7, 2013. Ed was born on September 26, 1924, the son of Chancy Ebinger and Wilda (George) Ebinger, in Oil City, Pa. He grew up in the area and at age 18, entered the U.S. Navy, serving during WWII. Upon completion of Basic Training at the Great Lakes Naval Station Ed was assigned to a destroyer, the USS Lang, which participated in numerous combat missions in the South Pacific theatre of operations, earning the ship and crew eleven Battle Stars. Following the war Ed completed his undergraduate degree at Grove City College in Grove City, Pa and his Masters Degree at the University of Pittsburg. Upon completing his studies Ed entered the retail business. In 1951 he was united in marriage to Rita Gray, the "love of his life". Ed and Rita were married 51 years at her death in 2002. Ed travelled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia for his business and in 1986 he retired as a retail executive with Federated Department Stores (Sanger-Harris) in Dallas, Texas. He and Rita travelled widely following his retirement and were active members of St. Rita's Catholic Church in Dallas. Ed is survived by two daughters, Kate (Ray) Hickey of Little Rock, Ark. and Molly (Greg) Mock of Dallas, Texas; two sons, David (Lynne) Ebinger of Moorhead, Minn. and Edward (Carol) Ebinger Jr. of Conway, Ark.; and his grandchildren, Kathleen and Theresa Ebinger of Little Rock, Ark.; Carly Ebinger of Conway, Ark.; and Jacob, Kate, and Luke Mock of Dallas, Texas. He is also survived by his brother, Richard (Nancy) Ebinger of Erie, Pa. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Jack Ebinger of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and his beloved wife Rita. The family wishes to thank the staff of "The Arbors", at Presbyterian Village North for the loving care they gave Ed. Donations in lieu of flowers should be made to the Presbyterian Village North, "Caring Fund" 8600 Skyline Drive, Dallas, Texas 75243. Visitation: at Restland Funeral Home, Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 6 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass: at St. Rita's Church, Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 1 p.m. followed by Christian Burial at Restland Cemetery.