Joseph Marshall Groce

Born on July 2, 1940, Marshall Groce embarked on a remarkable journey, leading a life punctuated by selfless service and kindness to others. On November 24, 2021, Marshall went to be with his Heavenly Father, after establishing a legacy, which as exemplified by the enduring words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in a Psalm of Life formed "indelible footprints in the sands of time" as a beacon for friends, family members and peers to follow, especially when confronting adversity. Marshall is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Groce, along with his daughters and their husbands Laurie and her husband, Mario; Beth and her husband, Russell; and Katherine. Marshall also left behind his adored grandchildren, Carson, Lindsey and Jensen, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Marshall was first and foremost a devoted husband to his wife, Patricia Groce, and father to his beloved daughters. Marshall took nothing for granted. He treasured every moment with Patricia, inspiring her with a radiant smile reserved only for her. Marshall regularly penned beautiful love letters to Patricia, as a lasting reminder that she was more precious than rubies and most of all, that she completed him. Marshall considered his romance with Patricia as a gift from God to be nurtured. Every New Years Eve, Marshall drafted Patricia a thoughtful love letter. 46-love letters memorialized the bond between them. Heartfelt gratitude for every selfless act and sacrifice adorns the pages of these love letters, revealing the gentle heart of a true, timeless gentleman. Marshall highlighted the smallest of things such as a delightful meal prepared for him or a fond Christmas memory with family. After his death, these love letters comprise a body of work, which not only Patricia, but Laurie could study to remember the content of his character. "Take heart", Marshall would say, "God chose you for me and I strived to live a life worthy of that gift."

Marshall demonstrated that the caliber of our character the mark we leave on this world is not measured by wealth or fame. It is quantified by our unselfish acts glorifying God and intended to solicit nothing in return. His creed is captured by the piercing words of the great American writer and pastor, Norman Vincent Peale: "The right thing is never the wrong thing to do."

Marshall was blessed to be born to attentive, wise, and civic-minded parents, Julia and Joshua H. Groce. Josh Groce was a towering San Antonio attorney, who was a founding partner in the once largest South Texas law firm of Groce, Locke and Hebdon. Along with his law partners, Josh Groce attracted premier legal talent to the firm, recruiting aspiring attorneys, who possessed equal portions of humility and legal acumen.

Not surprisingly, Josh Groce was more than a distinguished Texas trial attorney, but etched his name in history, by advocating for the non-partisan, objective application of the rule of law. 6-days after the Texas polls closed in the 1948 Democratic senatorial primary run-off election, Lyndon B. Johnson claimed victory over Coke Stevenson. 202 late votes manifested themselves in Precinct 13 Jim Wells County, Texas allegedly written in the same hand and ink by voters who denied having voted. Josh Groce had no bias or partisan interest in the election, apart from maintaining procedural fairness. Coke Stevenson eventually lost in the U.S. Supreme Court. However, Marshall learned a much greater, transcendent lesson: attorneys must labor to preserve the rule of law, even when undertaking an unpopular and often unprofitable position.

Marshall cherished memories with Josh Groce, because Josh patiently challenged him to maximize his talents in service to the legal community and his hometown of San Antonio, Texas. Josh also appreciated Marshalls kind nature. Josh Groce hosted dignitaries, including President Dwight D. Eisenhauer and General Douglas MacArthur, at their family home. On one auspicious evening, Marshall realized to his profound dismay that he misfired in his grilling escapade, seasoning his steaks with a dash of sand. Why a dash of sand? No one really knows. Marshall and Josh took that secret to the afterlife. As we all do, Marshall honed his talents, gaining more from his mistakes than astounding success. Assembled at the family home were notable leaders and respected family friends. Would Josh scold Marshall? Josh was not wired that way. He never took himself too seriously and his gracious nature was passed down to Marshall. Josh re-assured Marshall that this was nothing a hose and some water could not fix. Marshall displayed that same fatherly love to not only his children, but associate attorneys working alongside him. Restoration, not rebuke, governed his professional and personal dealings.

Marshall adored his grandfather and namesake, Joseph Frost, who was affectionally known as Big Joe. Christmases were enhanced by Big Joe, who appreciated his spirited and curious grandson. Marshall excelled at weaving the captivating tale, enhanced by his homespun humor and sharp wit. Marshall entertained family and friends, regaling them with colorful depictions of trips around the world accompanying his parents and their friends, Martha and George Rice. Martita Seeligson (daughter of Martha and George Rice) recalls Marshall as a mischievous, albeit inquisitive and loving child.

Marshall greeted everyone with a hearty and spirited My Friend. My friend was not a casual or trivial greeting. It was his hallmark. It accompanied his unbroken eye contact and heartfelt interest in enhancing the lives of others. His diverse set of friends were indicative of his warm, disarming nature. Willie Nelson became a confidante and friend. Marshall prized a written note from the legendary country western singer, offering to serenade Marshall and Patricia at their wedding. Showcasing legendary country western music performers (Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Patsy Cline, to name a few), John T. Floore Country Store in Helotes, Texas was an attractive social outing or destination for Marshall. He enjoyed a variety of music and art. Most of all, he enthusiastically celebrated life with his devoted friends and loved ones.

Marshall named Joseph Slaughter as a dear, lifelong friend, who he lived with in Monterrey, Mexico and Mexico City. Marshall and Joseph bounced around the Mexico countryside, blazing through its historic cities in Marshalls red MGB British Sportscar, popularly referred to as the Carrito Rojo. Marshall and his kindred spirit, Henry Affleck, toured Europe, befriending and charming locals, who provided the young men with shelter and hot meals. Marshall treasured his friendship with American-Spanish artist, Jose Vives-Astara, whose picturesque landscape paintings are much-heralded worldwide. Jose and Marshall travelled across the country together on memorable hunting and fishing trips. Jose greeted Marshall with authentic Spanish Paella and Flan, thoughtfully prepared by Joses wife, Emilia. Marshall never knew a stranger, even in foreign lands and among those from vastly different cultures. Studying people and appreciating different cultures required risk taking. Most of all, it capitalized on a strength Marshall possessed in plentiful supply sincere and honest interest in their life stories. The world was his classroom and connecting with people energized his life.

Marshall graduated from the storied Texas Military Institute (TMI) in 1958. Dating back to 1893, TMI provided Marshall with an opportunity to excel, undergoing the rigors of military-styled training in conjunction with exacting academic standards. Marshall attended Austin College in Sherman, Texas, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1962. Upon graduating from St. Marys University School of Law in 1966, Marshall commenced a judicial clerkship with the late Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, Tom C. Clark. Justice Clark was a tireless advocate for the unencumbered, objective application of the law. Marshall gained from Justice Clark an example of the tempered, gentlemen lawyer, who pursued the rule of law, regardless of public opinion or popularity. Marshall learned from Josh, and now Justice Clark, that every individual is deserving of empathy and vigorous attention. Justice Clark displayed in Mapp vs. Ohio, 367 U.S. 343 (1961) that commitment to individual liberty, juxtaposed against the state interest in criminal prosecution. Mapp applied the 4th Amendment guarantee against unreasonable searches and seizures to the states, excluding the admission of illegally obtained evidence in criminal prosecutions. Justice Clark also invalidated loyalty oaths as a pre-requisite for state employment, restoring the right to unabridged political association.

Marshall applied these lessons and experiences to his storied legal career, as an estate planning, probate, elder and tax law attorney. Throughout his 50-plus year legal practice, Marshall was considered a pillar in the San Antonio legal community, earning a reputation for excellence, tireless advocacy, and professionalism. Marshall joined Groce, Locke and Hebdon, as his first venture into private practice. Marshall showcased his discipline and skills, by becoming Board Certified in Estate Planning & Probate Law (Texas Board of Legal Specialization). Board Certification is an honor shared by only 9-percent of Texas attorneys. Marshall invested his talents in creating a supportive legal environment for aspiring lawyers to shine, by serving in the Advisory Commission to the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (Estate Planning and Probate Law) for over 13-years. Marshall was bestowed with the honor of becoming a Fellow in the American College of Trust & Estate Counsel in 1988. Marshall was elected by his peers to serve as the President and Director of the San Antonio Estate Planning & Probate Law Association; and was a San Antonio Estate Planners Council Officer-Director. For over 42-years, Marshall maintained an "AV Preeminent" rating from Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, constituting the highest possible rating in legal ability and ethical standards. Marshall presented his paper - "Engagement Letters For Estate Administration" - at the 1993 State Bar of Texas Advanced Estate Planning and Probate Course. Marshall thrived as a guest lecturer at St. Marys University School of Law (San Antonio) and Austin College (Sherman), as well as a speaker/author, presenting at State Bar of Texas and other professional, civic, and religious organizations programs/continuing education courses. Marshall served as General Counsel (Estate & Trust) to the Financial Management Group of Frost Bank (Trust Department), which is among the largest 50-banks in the U.S. Marshall was also preferred counsel to other major San Antonio bank trust departments.

Estate planning capitalized on Marshalls aptitude and passion for relationship-building. Marshall developed lifelong relationships with clients, counting many as personal friends or better said respected and valued members of his extended family. Among his most prized professional experiences was serving as an ad litem attorney for juveniles, representing their interests and advocating on their behalf. Marshall was sought after to represent juveniles, because he tirelessly labored to enhance the quality of their lives, by addressing their personal and legal challenges. Employing his legal expertise coupled with his homespun, sage wisdom, Marshall assessed the needs of his young, forlorn clients, targeting opportunities for them to excel. Additionally, Marshall served as attorney ad litem for countless elderly clients, who were incapacitated by the scourge of dementia and other cognitive disorders. He was galvanized by the role of gatekeeper, often shielding his clients against exploitation or abuse.

Marshall enjoyed interacting with professional peers and civic leaders, maintaining an active membership in numerous bar associations, including the American Bar Association Real Property, Probate and Trust Law and Taxation Sections; Texas Bar Association Real Estate, Probate and Trust Law and Taxation Sections; and the San Antonio Bar Association. Marshall also thrived as a member, director and officer of the Alamo Executives Association and The Exchange Club (San Antonio). He was a long-time serving Robert B. Taylor Scholarship Fund (Texas Military Institute) director/officer. Marshall balanced his professional responsibilities with engaging friends/family in a vibrant social life, as an Argyle Club, San Antonio Country Club, Order of The Alamo, and Town Club member. Though these organizations are known for their lively events, they are also focused on enhancing the lives of struggling residents of our community. Marshall enjoyed volunteerism, as an opportunity to share his expertise with those requiring mentoring and sage counsel.

The most fulfilling and anticipated professional transition for Marshall was relocating his bustling law practice to a home office. Marshall readily admitted the greatest inspiration behind this move increase quality time with his loving wife, Patricia, not to mention attend to his beloved furry partner in crime and surrogate child, Toby. Patricia and Toby created a warm, peaceful environment, where Marshall shined. As a lively Springer Spaniel, Toby energized Marshall, as he accompanied him on many hunting and fishing excursions aboard his boat. Toby was Marshalls beloved first mate, who also added laughter and tranquility to his rigorous workday. Despite his affection for Toby, Patricia inspired the formation of a home office. At home, Marshall could listen to and observe his wife, as she not only beautified their home, but filled his life with unending love and affection. This great man who considered all calamities large and small to be mere surmountable bumps in the road entered the twilight of his career sharing his professional life with Patricia. His loving memory will linger in her heart, until they embrace again and she once more sees his endearing smile.

The Groce family is grateful to the countless family and friends, rallying around them, during this challenging time. Marshall would also appreciate his fellow-attorney and friend, James M. Warner, for honoring his memory, by drafting this tribute. Marshall never took anything for granted, especially the transformative power of a lifelong, Godly romance with Patricia. Marshall entered the world with great promise and potential. Marshall departed this world, completing the race set-out before him, as a steadfast, unflappable leader of his family and an ethical professional. He will be greatly missed by the lives of those he touched with his kindness. His memory will be cherished forever.