Joe Rhudy Retires After 35 Years of Service

AFTER MORE THAN 3½ decades of dedicated service, Fannin Electric Cooperative proudly recognizes the retirement of Joe Rhudy, who retired May 29.

Born in Bonham, Rhudy was raised in Ector, a small community he has proudly called home for nearly his entire life. The youngest of four children, with two brothers and one sister, he often joked that his parents “saved the best for last.” His father worked as a mechanic for the Katy Railroad while his mother was an Avon sales representative.

Family has always been at the center of Rhudy’s life. He and his first wife raised two children together and had one granddaughter, Ellie Jo. Following his first wife’s death in 2022, he married Becky in 2025. Through their marriage, his family grew to include three stepchildren and eight additional grandchildren.

Outside of work, Rhudy has enjoyed a wide variety of activities throughout his life. He spent many years playing softball and riding horses. He cherished the time spent helping his daughter, Audra, pursue her passion for softball, catching for her during pitching lessons and traveling across the country to attend select tournaments and collegiate games. He enjoys watching his granddaughter, Ellie Jo, play basketball and softball and especially treasures their ice cream dates together.

Rhudy also enjoyed spending time with his son, Cole, through Boy Scouts, particularly the many trips they took to Camp Dierks. Today, he enjoys making memories with his family by riding side-by-sides, attending concerts, listening to music and gathering around a large bonfire whenever possible. He and Becky enjoy traveling together, visiting all nine grandchildren, exploring the countryside and appreciating the journey as much as the destination.

Rhudy began his career with Fannin EC, then known as REA, on October 29, 1990. During his first 13 years at the co-op, he worked on the brush crew, now known as the right-of-way crew, serving as supervisor for those final three years. Throughout his career, he also worked as a digger truck operator, meter reader and substation groundskeeper and was responsible for maintaining the grounds at the cooperative’s headquarters.

His commitment to safety was exemplary. Recently, he received recognition for an extraordinary achievement: 35 years without a lost-time injury. This remarkable accomplishment reflects the professionalism, dedication and safety-first mindset he demonstrated throughout his career.

As he begins retirement, Rhudy looks forward to spending more time traveling the country in his new fully enclosed air-conditioned side-by-side, taking in the scenery and exploring new places along the way. Most importantly, he plans to spend more time with all nine of his grandchildren and continue his favorite role of all: being the best Papa Joe possible.

Fannin EC sincerely thanks Joe Rhudy for his 35 years of dedicated service and wishes him and Becky many years of happiness, adventure and cherished family memories in retirement.