Mr. Henry L McElroy

Henry Lee McElroy, 83, peacefully left this earth to join his Heavenly Father on Sunday, January 24, 2021, in Grapevine, Texas. He lived life to its fullest, and even with serious health conditions over many years and progressive dementia, showed courage and spirit in facing life challenges with a smile. Henry stayed strong and loved his family, above all else, to the end.

Born on May 5, 1937 in Honey Grove, Texas, to Homer Lee McElroy and Vera Mae Shortnacy, Henry grew up enjoying life on his family’s peanut farm in East Texas near the Red River, running through the fields with hunting dogs and climbing trees to read a good book. These humble beginnings on the farm were shared with three sisters, Loneta, Pauline and Irene, and a brother, Gene. When duty called, Henry enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as Specialist Third Class during the Vietnam War in 1955 through 1957.

Henry met his bride, Betty Jean McElroy, while working at Adleta in Dallas, and married in 1961. His never-ending pride and joy was shown through his enduring devotion to their two daughters, Michelle and Donielle. Having only attended school through the eighth grade, Henry showed true grit and determination, becoming a top salesman of industrial equipment across the State of Texas. Henry instilled in his family a love for the outdoors and enjoyed camping and travel having visited most of the 50 U.S. states and several countries during his lifetime. Henry was pre-deceased by his wife, Betty, in December 1998.

Henry later went on to remarry to Norma Jean Bailey in 1999 and retired to the old homestead where they made old and new acquaintances, and enjoyed outdoor adventures like fishing and riding the “mule” over fifty acres near the Caddo Mills Grasslands in east Texas.

Henry will be lovingly remembered by his survivors, including his wife, Norma Jean McElroy of Rowlett, Texas, his daughters; Michelle Rawls and husband Dave of Colleyville, Donielle Sharp and husband Greg of Roanoke, stepchildren; Jon Hunt, Cheryl Pressley, and Debbie Johnson, grandchildren; Jon Rawls and wife Kacie, Mikhael Rawls and wife Victoria, Meagan Brewer and husband Jay, Kristen Cawyer and husband Corbin, and Peyton Sharp, step-grandchildren; Chasity Rivera, Tasha Hunt, Megan Johnson, Vincent Cervantes and Tanner Smith, and great grandchildren Addison Rawls, Emerson Brewer, namesake Samuel Henry Rawls, Kellen Brewer, Fraser Rawls, Boden Brewer and Douglas Rawls.

A private family viewing will be held on Sunday, January 31st from noon – 2 p.m. at the Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home at 5725 Colleyville Blvd., Colleyville, Texas. Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Monday, February 1st at 12:30 p.m. at the Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville with a reception to follow at the home of Dave and Michelle Rawls in Colleyville.