Roy Thomas McBride passed away on Tuesday, May 24, on a ranch near Alpine. He was almost 87 years old and resided in Alpine most of his life. He was an international wildlife biologist, entrepreneur, inventor, manufacturer, and rancher. He married Jere Jean Johnson of San Antonio in 1957, and they are both survived by three children (Rocky, Randy, Rowdy), his daughter-inlaws Monica and Mistie, five grandchildren (Cougar, Caleb, Micah, Ryelan, and Mayson), along with great-grandchildren Stryker and Lynx.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, June 3 at 2 p.m. at Elm Grove Cemetery in Alpine.

Roy’s legacy also includes his deep friendships throughout the ranching community in western and southern Texas, and among the wildlife biologists and mountain lion hunters who were his treasured peers in many places.

Roy is widely remembered by many as a modest genius and entrepreneur who had traveled throughout many continents in the capture and study of large predators. He was considered a foremost authority and biologist of various predator species, who had not only captured these animals’ using dogs and other trapping methods but had also published peer-reviewed scientific studies of their populations and habits. He was extensively involved in largescale efforts to save and revitalize threatened predators ranging from the Florida Panther to the Mexican Gray Wolves and the Red Wolves in the Southwestern U.S. His wildlife and capture contracts also encompassed working with jaguars, leopards, jackals, bobcats, ocelots, and other small predators on several continents. As an inventor and manufacturer, his patents and predator control devices are currently used by governments and private industry in numerous countries.

Roy also owned and operated a cattle ranch in the Chinati Mountains south of Marfa.

A graduate of Sul Ross University with both bachelor’s and master’s degree in wildlife biology, Roy had formerly attended Texas A&M on a football scholarship, where he was one of the original “Junction Boys” who played under Bear Bryant until his initial career in trapping led him to South and West Texas where he finished his studies.

His fitting departure was characteristic of his life, in that he was hunting with his hounds at the time of his passing.

Most importantly, Roy was a man of faith, with a heart for God and a deep understanding of the salvation afforded to all of us through Christ Jesus.

He will be incredibly missed and treasured in the hearts of many.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Alpine Christian School.

Online condolences may be left at: www. alpinememorialfuneralhome.

com Services have been entrusted to Alpine Memorial Funeral Home.