Ira went home to the Lord on September 27, 2022 in Plano, Texas. He was born on June 1, 1936 in Van Zandt County on the Old Scott’s Home Place to Clifton O’Brien Groom and Ethel Louise Scott Groom. He was a member of West Erwin Church of Christ.
Ira graduated from Pleasant Grove High School in 1954; he excelled in football as an all-district end and all-district in basketball. He was voted Best all-around Boy his senior year in high school.
Ira enlisted in the Army in 1955; he served as a Military Policeman. He played on the Army football team for the Army 9th Division. They were Southern League Champions in Europe and the 2nd place team US Army Europe. He was HONORABLY discharged. Ira attended Arlington State Jr. College and Abilene Christian College.
He worked for 1st National Bank in Dallas, Grove State Bank and was an Office Manager for Halco Fence and Wire Co. He became President of Groom and Son Hardware in Pleasant Grove Texas. He moved his family to Mabank Texas and opened present day Groom and Son’s. His mentor, Uncle Estle Groom was his biggest asset!!!
Ira was involved in Southwest HWDE & IMPL Association, during his time living in Pleasant Grove, Texas (The Grove). He was involved in the Business Men’s Association, Chamber of Commerce as a Director, The Civitan Club, Christian School PTA, Men’s Republican Party, YMCA baseball as a coach and a Deacon at the Church of Christ on Hawn Freeway. After moving to Mabank, Texas, Ira was involved with Mabank Chamber of Commerce as a director, Lion’s Club, and President of Mabank Booster Club.
Ira coached Mabank Little League Football and Baseball, he was involved in the PTA, he was a Mabank Panthers Loyal Fan and Member of Outstanding Men of America. This bigger-than-life man WAS ALWAYS A CHRISTIAN FIRST, FAMILY MAN and CIVIC LEADER. He loved the Lord, his family and the many friends he made throughout his life.
He will be remembered as the #1 Dallas Cowboy Fan!!!
Ira is preceded in death by his parents, Clifton and Louise Groom; beloved wife, Sherrie Gayle Ware Groom; daughter, Gayla Groom Bartlett; and grandson, Shawn Clifton Groom.
Ira is survived by his sons and daughters in-law, Greg and Sheri Groom, Joey and Pam Ridgle, Jeff and Christi Ridgle, Phil and Tammy Ridgle; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to your favorite charity in honor of Ira. Ira believed in supporting your Local Small Businesses.
A visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. followed by a service at Eubank Funeral Home in Canton, Texas on October 1, 2022.
A graveside service under the direction of Don Crawford will then be held under the pavilion at Elm Grove Cemetery in Mabank, Texas at 12:00 p.m.
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