Ralph Rayburn, the Texas Sea Grant College Program’s Extension Program leader, died suddenly at his home Thursday morning, January 31, of an alleged heart attack. He was 60. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home in Bryan. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at A&M United Methodist Church.

“Texas Sea Grant, the Sea Grant Network and a host of individuals across the nation lost a revered colleague and friend with the passing of Ralph Rayburn,” said Texas Sea Grant Director Dr. Robert Stickney. “His death came as a shock to everyone and we appreciate the outpouring of expressions of sympathy that we have received. Ralph was everyone’s friend and was fully dedicated to Sea Grant. He was a fountain of not only new, but also good, ideas. Above all, he was respected by all who knew him. He will be sorely missed.”

Rayburn first joined Texas Sea Grant in 1978 as the marine agent for Aransas and San Patricio Counties. He became executive director of the Texas Shrimp Association, and then moved to the Department of Texas Parks and Wildlife where he served in several capacities, eventually becoming director of intergovernmental affairs. He returned to Sea Grant in September, 1999, as Associate Director for Outreach. His incredible work ethic, professionalism and outgoing personality made an immediate impact on the Texas Sea Grant Program and the National Sea Grant Network.

Rayburn is survived by his wife, Elaine, and daughter, Rachel. More information is available on the Texas Sea Grant website at http://texas-sea-grant.tamu.edu/.