Marvin Edward Dealy Jr.

Born on September 5, 1928, to Marvin Edward Dealy Sr. and Alleen Woodward, Bud grew up in a family with deep roots in Texas and Texas A&M. Being an Aggie was more than a college tradition; it was a family legacy and a source of great pride. His father graduated from Texas A&M in 1925 and lettered in basketball. Bud proudly followed in his father’s footsteps, graduating from Texas A&M University in College Station in 1950 with a degree in Architecture. During his years at A&M, he was a member of the renowned Fighting Texas Aggie Band.

A diehard Aggie, Bud stayed connected to the Aggie community, and his life revolved around the Aggie football schedule. Wherever the Aggies played, he traveled to be there. He honored his father’s legacy by establishing the Marvin Edward Dealy Sr. Presidential Endowed Scholarship at Texas A&M, an endowment that will support Aggie students for generations to come. He also established a scholarship for a student in the Corp of Cadets.

Following graduation, Bud served his country in the Air Force during the Korean War. He later built a successful career in marine construction management, ultimately serving as President of MidGulf Industrial before retiring in 1998. His career reflected his dedication, leadership, and strong work ethic.

Bud believed in making the most of every day and never lost his adventurous spirit. He enjoyed snow skiing with friends and family during the winter months and scuba diving in the summers. He golfed, played tennis and remained active in his church and community. He enjoyed ballroom dancing and traveling, exploring destinations around the world, even dune bashing in Abu Dhabi at the age of 86, making lasting friendships and memories along the way.

Bud was blessed with three marriages: to Peggy Bucek Dealy for 27 years, to Norma Jean Dealy for 40 years, and to Barbara Place Dealy for the last 5 years of his life. His greatest joy was his family. He treasured time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and took tremendous pride in watching the family grow.

Those who knew Bud will remember his wonderful sense of humor, positive outlook, and genuine belief in the goodness of people. He had a special ability to find the bright side of almost any situation and always believed there was light at the end of the tunnel. He was someone people could count on, always willing to offer help, encouragement, or guidance whenever needed. His kindness, optimism, generosity, and willingness to step up for others made him an inspiration to family, friends, and colleagues alike.

Bud was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Marvin Edward Dealy Sr. and Alleen Woodward Dealy; his beloved wives, Peggy Bucek Dealy and Norma Jean Dealy; his daughter, Lynn Randall; and his son, James Kent Nichols.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Place Dealy; his son, Jeff Dealy (Sheryl); his daughters, Julie Cochran (Bob), Janis Godby (Steve), and Elaine Nichols Welch (Gary); and his daughter-in-law, Linda Nichols.

Bud is also survived by his 13 grandchildren and their spouses: Scott Randall, Sarah Sims (Skyler), Amy Jones (Jason), Clint Godby (Katy), Shelly Mannion (Dylan), Cameron Cochran, Jessy Riddick (Logan), Jaxson Dealy, Harrison Dealy, Robert Casey Welch, Amanda Hood (Chip), Megan Shope (Michael), and Katelyn Kuznicki (Scott). He also leaves behind twenty beloved great-grandchildren (with one on the way), along with extended family and many dear friends.

At 98, Bud leaves behind far more than professional accomplishments and a lifetime of adventures. He leaves a legacy of laughter, kindness, resilience, friendship, and love. He taught those around him to keep moving, embrace new experiences, look for the good in others, lend a helping hand, and never take life too seriously.

He will be remembered as a proud Aggie, a veteran, a successful businessman, an adventurer, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a loyal friend. Most of all, he will be remembered as a man who truly loved Jesus and lived by HIS word. Bud’s legacy will live on in the many lives he touched and in the generations of family who carry his spirit forward. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, November 21 at A&M United Methodist Church.