Rudy Mack Groom

On Monday, May 22, 2023, Rudy Mack Groom joined his Lord and Savior in Eternal Life. Rudy was born on September 4, 1931 in Flag Lake Community, Texas to Truman Bailey Groom and Myrtle Lorraine Tankersley.

He met his wife, Jackie Lou Hollister through family and friends and they began sending letters to one another while he was serving on the U.S.S Duncan during the Korean Conflict. It was “love at first write.” They married in Van Zandt County, Texas on October 3, 1952 and enjoyed life together for almost 65 years. This union produced five children, 3 girls and 2 boys.

Rudy received his primary education in Dallas and by 9th grade he was back to Mabank. He did not receive his graduation certificate until he began attending Henderson County Junior College and they conferred his high school diplomas since he dropped out and joined the Navy at the age of 16. He then, attended the University of Texas where he received a degree in Business Administration and began working for the Internal Revenue Service in Houston, Texas. He attended the University of Houston Law Center in Houston, Texas and made the 3rd highest score on the bar exam in the State of Texas that year. Rudy practiced law officially for 50 years and unofficially, up to his last breath.

He was a member of the Optimist Club of Houston and was a devoted Board Member for many years for the Spring Independent School District. He later served as their legal counsel.

Rudy enjoyed his family first but he had a passion for fishing and hunting with his boys and friends. When Rudy made friends, they became lifelong friends.

He was a firm believer in education and he and Jackie shared this belief with their five children. Each one received a college degree. He was a devoted member of the Elm Grove Church for 20 years.

After Jackie’s death in 2017, Rudy married Glenda Groom and she took meticulous care of him until his death. To her the family is deeply grateful.

Rudy is survived by his wife, Glenda and his five children, Deborah Groom Massey and husband, Ron of Mabank, Rudy Michael Groom and wife, Andrea of Mabank, Kathi Groom Valentino and husband, Joseph of The Woodlands, Texas, Laurie Groom Carder and husband, Rick of Malakoff, and William Hollister Groom and wife, Seruwai of Mabank and his brothers, Donnie Lee Groom of Oklahoma, Truman Groom Jr. and Kenneth Groom of Brazoria, Texas. In addition, he leaves behind 13 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren along with a large extended family.

Rudy was laid to rest on May 24, 2023 at Elm Grove Cemetery next to his wife, Jackie, in a private family burial. There is a Service of Remembrance scheduled for June 14, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the First Baptist Church of Mabank, 114 Vernon, Mabank, Texas. A lunch will follow at Elm Grove Church, 979 VZCR 2708, Mabank, Tx.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers that donations be made in his honor to the Tarver Cemetery Association via Anlene Odom at 1516 VZCR 2816, Mabank, Tx 75147, and/or the Mabank ISD Education Foundation, 310 E. Market, Mabank, Texas 75147. Donations made be made online for the Education Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eubankcedarcreek.com for the Groom family.