R.C. Bales, 93, of Sour Lake, Texas passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2023. R.C. was born on July 10, 1930, in McKinney, Texas to Riley and Elsie Bales.

R.C. “Granny” Bales was a Professional Rodeo Cowboy for 25 years. He began rodeoing at the young age of 15 and joined the Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1948. R.C. traveled throughout Texas, The United States and Mexico. He won and placed consistently and was one of the first cowboys to venture into Mexico for competitions. R.C. enjoyed ranching and collecting old bits and at spurs. R.C. has been inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and was recently inducted into the Bull Riding Hall of Fame. R.C. retired in 1972.

R.C. was preceded in death by his parents, Riley Bales and Elsie (Howard) Bales; and wife, Margaret Ann (Gaston) Bales.

Those left to cherish R.C.’s memory includes his son, John Bales of Oklahoma and daughter, Penny Bales of Sour Lake; grandsons, Alan Bales of Oklahoma and Travis Gilfillian and his wife, Lindsey of Sour Lake; and great grandsons, Reid and Jude Gilfillian.

Serving as pallbearers include Kirby Gilfillian, Travis Gilfillian, Eric Powell, Chris Westphal, Johnny Locke and Heath Maples.

A graveside service for Mr. R.C. Bales will be held Friday, August 18, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at Old Hall Cemetery; 1200 McGee Lane, Lewisville, Texas 75077. Services are under the direction of Melancon’s Funeral Home in Nederland, Texas.