Douglas Hal Groom

Douglas Hal Groom, born December 10, 1950 in Dallas, Texas, went to join his guitar picking brethren in the sky May 16, 2018. Neither angel, nor saint, his energetic life was marked by music, humor, many friendships, and he recently found his Christian faith for the next show. Facing terminal cancer with courage, Doug said, “let’s get this rodeo on.”

He is survived by his wife, Judy, sons Doug Jr., David and Billy Jack Christie, sisters Saran Knight and Dewetta Crow, brother Richard Groom, grandchildren Abbey and Mason Groom, Jackson and Bruce Christie and a colorful host of friends and fans.

The scion of his dad Dewey Groom’s famed Longhorn Ballroom, Doug did everything there. If a musician was a no-show, Doug was a willing and capable fill-in. He did bookings, promotions and public relations, and he tended bar. All who loved, enjoyed and partied with the one of a kind Doug Groom can attest that his 67 years are better calculated in years of having fun, and with that tricky math, Doug squeezed in more than a hundred.

Doug was a guitar star for the teenage band, “The Reactions” at Pleasant Grove’s Twilight Time Skating Rink. He kept the beat over a long career, substituting as drummer and piano player at the Longhorn and he went on the road with Jerry Lee Lewis’ band. Over the last 12 years, Doug and Judy traveled the U.S. in their Willie Nelson-styled bus/RV and nurtured so many friendships at late-night campfires while Doug picked his guitar and sang under the starry, starry night. Doug loved his friends and they did him. He gave us much to remember and we always will.

A graveside service will be held at Grove Hill Memorial Park on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at 2:00 pm.

Also, a reception will be held that evening at the Longhorn Ballroom 216 Corinth St. Dallas, TX 75207

from 6-8pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The American Cancer Society.