Bob Grundy

A public memorial service for Robert Andrew Grundy, 91, of Era, is scheduled for 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at the Era I.S.D. Gymnasium.  Private services were held at Era Church of Christ.

Mr. Grundy passed away May 31, 2020 in Era.

Bob was born December 7, 1928 in Gainesville, TX to Samuel Pollard and Willie Mae (Bratcher) Grundy.  He grew up on the Grundy Farm and Ranch in Era, TX.  His great-grandfather homesteaded the land in 1859.  A fourth generation Grundy, Bob loved the land and spent every summer on a tractor helping his uncles farm the land and raising cattle.  He was very close to his grandmother, whom he lived with, along with his uncle, his senior year of high school.  His mother moved to Gainesville and was the County Treasurer for several years.

Bob was nine years old when his dad died.  He had an older brother, Sam, a sister, Marilyn, and younger sister JoAnne.  His mother was a school teacher and they all had to help with the farm.  Bob started to school (grades 1-3) at Buck Creek School.  There were several small schools in the country and most were close enough to walk.  There was no busing in those days.  He attended Era I.S.D. schools from the fourth grade until high school graduation.  Bob played all sports but particularly loved football and track.  He won the state title in high jump (6’3”) his senior year, 1947.  Four universities offered him a four-year scholarship.  He chose North Texas State University in Denton.  They had an excellent track and field program and he could be closer to help his mother.  Bob was an outstanding athlete.  He won many medals in high school and college.  He wore a rabbit’s foot around his neck while he high-jumped.  It’s with his medals.

After college, Bob worked for General Motors in Fort Worth.  He was in the National Guard for several years, stationed in Gainesville.  He was on security duty one night at the county fair and ran into his high school sweetheart, Ruby Jean Wylie.  They were married six months later.  Their marriage of 68 years was blessed with five children.

It was always Bob’s dream to coach football and track.  In 1952, he began his career in Era I.S.D.  He coached every sport, taught history, and drove a bus.  After four years at Era, he coached at Whitesboro, Boyd, and Sanger.  He had a successful coaching career and touched many young lives.  Coach Grundy was a father figure to many troubled boys.  He had a prayer before every game.  Bob lived his faith in God.  There was such a love and respect from “his boys” and it has continued through the years.  Four years ago, Era I.S.D. built a new track and honored Mr. Grundy by naming the facility after him.  Every year, there was a Bob Grundy Invitational Track Meet.  His years of teaching and coaching at Era were very special to him.

Bob was a wonderful husband and father.  He loved and cared for his family deeply.  He especially treasured his five grandchildren.

Survivors include: wife of 68 years, Ruby J. Grundy; son Rex E. Grundy and wife Alice of Era; son Dan A. Grundy of Era; daughter Lisa G. Holubec and husband Jerry of Allen; daughter Betty Claire Wilson and husband Kenny of Gainesville; daughter Suzanne Groesbeck and husband Ted of Frisco; grandchildren: Melissa (Marc), Andrew (Christina), Bobby, and Reid; sister JoAnne Vincent of La Jolla, CA; sister-in-law Mary Farmer of Pueblo, CO; sister-in-law Rita Young of Era; sister-in-law Betty Woods of Rockwall; sister-in-law Glenda Grundy of Tyler; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Mr. Grundy was preceded in death by: parents Samuel Pollard and Willie Mae (Bratcher) Grundy; grandson Brett Grundy; brother Sam Grundy; sister Marilyn Walker; brother-in-law Walter Vincent; brother-in-law Bill Farmer; brother-in-law Royce Young; brother-in-law Jim Woods; brother-in-law Delmo Wylie; and brother-in-law Weldon Walker.

Memorial contributions may be made to Era Cemetery Association.