Kenneth Rayburn Gidney – passing

FUNERAL HOME
Maxwell P. Dunne Funeral Service – Yorktown Blvd.

5921 Yorktown Blvd
Corpus Christi, Texas
UPCOMING SERVICE
Visitation
Jan. 9, 2025
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Maxwell P. Dunne Funeral Service – Yorktown
Kenneth Gidney Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Maxwell P. Dunne Funeral Service – Yorktown Blvd. on Dec. 29, 2024.

Publish in a newspaper Kenneth (Ken) Rayburn Gidney, known affectionately to many as Pa, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on December 27, 2024, at the age of 77. Born in McKinney, Texas on July 25, 1947, Ken brought laughter and light and good food into the lives of many, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication.
Ken attended a one-room schoolhouse until entering McKinney High School, where he excelled both academically and on the football field. As a high school All-American player, he was recruited by Coach Darrell Royal to play at the University of Texas at Austin. There, he hit his stride as a Center and Right Guard. As a proud Longhorn, he not only mastered the art of blocking the line but also built lifelong friendships.

After an injury took him off the gridiron, Ken played in various professional roles, showcasing his self-drivenness, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit. He ultimately retired as the proud owner and operator of Christian Brothers Automotive in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he was respected for his integrity and commitment to service, and his ever-present humor left many customers smiling.
Ken and his wife, Vicki, were a duo throughout life. From bowling alleys to the golf course and the game table they enjoyed spirited time with each other. Together they raised Clay and Sammi and hit the jackpot with their grandkids, Payton, Wyatt, Lily, and Nate, for whom Pa always showed up. He was their biggest fan, evident in the way he prioritized attending and celebrating their games, birthdays, and various milestones.
People were naturally drawn to Ken’s genuine and friendly nature. He was the kind of guy who could strike up a conversation with anyone; we don’t think he ever met a stranger! To know him was to laugh with him, and to love him was to embrace life with a little more gusto. His memory will live in the stories we share, the games we play, the food we enjoy, and the lives we lead.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Fannie (Nana) Gidney. He is survived by his wife, Vicki; son, Clay and wife Emelia; daughter, Sammi and husband Lance; grandchildren; beloved brother, Ronnie and wife Pam; the Williams’ gang of in-laws (Toni, Tina, and Kirk and Cindy) and their families, all who loved him deeply and were always up for a good time!

In honor of Ken’s extraordinary life, family and friends are invited to attend a visitation, beginning at 5:00 pm, on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Maxwell P. Dunne located at 5921 Yorktown Blvd., followed by a Rosary at 6:00 pm. The following day, Friday, January 10, 2025, starting at 10:30 am, a Mass will be held at St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church located at 3513 Cimarron Blvd, Corpus Christi, Texas 78414.
Please join us in celebrating our Pa, a man who played every position in life with heart, who never folded, and who always, always bet on love. Pa, you’ve earned your place in God’s embrace. Keep the laughter going until we meet again.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kenneth, please visit our floral store.
Memorial Events
for Kenneth Gidney
Jan 9
Visitation
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Maxwell P. Dunne Funeral Service – Yorktown
Jan 9
Rosary
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Maxwell P. Dunne Funeral Service – Yorktown
Jan 10
Mass of Christian Burial
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church
Funeral services provided by:
Maxwell P. Dunne Funeral Service – Yorktown Blvd. 5921 Yorktown Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78414