Rudy Mack Groom
“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” — Socrates
Rudy was born on September 4, 1931 in Flag Lake Community, Texas to Truman Bailey Groom and Myrtle Lorraine Tankersley.
He met his wife, Jackie Lou Hollister through family and friends and they began sending letters to one another while he was serving on the U.S.S Duncan during the Korean Conflict. It was “love at first write.” They married in Van Zandt County, Texas on October 3, 1952 and enjoyed life together for almost 65 years. This union produced five children, 3 girls and 2 boys.
Rudy received his primary education in Dallas and by 9th grade he was back in Mabank. He did not receive his graduation certificate until he began attending Henderson County Junior College and they conferred his high school diplomas since he dropped out and joined the Navy at the age of 16. He then, attended the University of Texas where he received a degree in Business Administration and began working for the Internal Revenue Service in Houston, Texas. He attended the University of Houston Law Center in Houston, Texas and made the 3rd highest score on the bar exam in the State of Texas that year. Rudy practiced law officially for 50 years and unofficially, up to his last breath.
He was a member of the Optimist Club of Houston and was a devoted Board Member for many years for the Spring Independent School District. He later served as their legal counsel.
Rudy enjoyed his family first but he had a passion for fishing and hunting with his boys and friends. When Rudy made friends, they became lifelong friends.
He was a firm believer in education and he and Jackie shared this belief with their five children. Each one received a college degree. He was a devoted member of the Elm Grove Church for 20 years.
Rudy lost Jackie in 2017 and grieved for her until his death on May 20, 2023. They are finally enjoying the fruits of their labor with one another.
The world Rudy knew
Family milestones in gold, history for context
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