The Fort Worth food community lost one of its own this week. Jack Renfro, longtime Chief Operating Officer of Renfro Foods and son of company founders George and Arthurine Renfro, died April 6, 2026, at the age of 89, following a recent throat cancer diagnosis.
Born and raised in Fort Worth, Jack spent most of his professional life helping build the family business his parents started in 1940 into the beloved, nationally distributed brand it is today — the Mrs. Renfro’s salsa line that now spans nearly 30 products on shelves in all 50 states. His contributions ran from the production floor to technological innovations that kept the company moving forward across decades. But those who knew him say the operations were only part of the story.
“He was more than one of its 20th century innovators,” said his son Doug Renfro, company president, “but a Renfro’s superfan who passed out jars of salsa to everyone he met.” Senior vice president Becky Renfro Borbolla put it simply: “We have all benefitted from Jack’s wisdom, humor and kind heart.”
Jack was married to Connie Renfro for more than 60 years before her death in 2023. He is survived by his three children — Doug, Andrea and Jill — eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and a sibling, Linda Renfro.
A funeral service will be held Friday, April 17, at 10 a.m. at North Fort Worth Baptist Church. Visitation is Thursday, April 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Greenwood Funeral Homes in Fort Worth. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the North Fort Worth Historical Society or Spring Creek Baptist Church in Meridian, Texas.
