Ronald "Ronny" Lewis McElroy

Whether you were a member of the Rusk community who knew him as “The Mayor of Brookshire Bros”, the many who knew him as “Mr. Ronny”, or “Dad”, as his three children knew him, Ronald Lewis McElroy was a shining example of what it was to be a “doer of the word”.  He was a faithful servant throughout his community, relished any opportunity to commit a kind deed or volunteer his help, enjoyed meeting with old friends over a cup of coffee, and was always on the lookout for establishing new relationships. It is with a heavy heart that we announce Ronny passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025, with his son and daughter by his side. We feel tremendous sadness with his loss, but know there is immeasurable joy in Heaven’s gain. 
Ronny was born on August 20th, 1947, and spent his childhood in his hometown of Rusk, TX.  He grew up working for his family’s business, Mack’s Bait and Tackle, playing a variety of sports, and being involved in various organizations at Rusk High School. After graduation, he attended Stephen F. Austin University, where he earned his Bachelors of Business Administration degree.  It was around this time that Ronny would complete his training for the National Guard, and would ultimately serve for six years in the National Guard Reserve.  Ronny moved to Athens, TX, where he worked for the Hawn Lumber Company for many years, was heavily involved throughout the Athens community, and welcomed and raised his three children with wife JoAnne.  Ronny returned to Rusk Tx in 1998 and would go on to work for the Rusk prison system before retiring in 2013. 

During his life, Ronny was actively involved in numerous public offices, including Junior Chamber of Commerce, Athens City Council, the Rusk Cemetery Board, and various positions with his church.  Ronny was named “Jaycee of the Year in Texas”, and “Outstanding Young Men of America”.  Of all the accolades he received, however, his most prized title was “Mayor of Brookshire Bros.”  He would make daily visits to the local Rusk grocer, not only to have a friendly conversation with those who worked there, but with patrons of the store as well.  Ronny was always on the lookout to accomplish his daily good deed, such as purchasing a plush toy animal for a child tagging along with their parent on a grocery run, or even contributing to help purchase someone’s items if they were a little short. He always noted how these acts helped lift his spirit, made him feel good, and kept him going daily.

In August of 2022, Ronny was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The diagnosis was a shock, but from the very beginning, Ronny courageously battled and fought, vowing he was not going to give up.  Despite his condition, he continued to stay active around the community, made sure he was always available to help others when needed, and cherished each day, looking forward to performing a kind act to always brighten someone else’s.  We may have lost a father, a friend, a son, a brother, an uncle, or “The Mayor”, but Heaven has gained an angel, who is undoubtably already working on those daily good deeds.

Ronny is preceded in death by his parents, J.L. and Corile McElroy; brother Randy McElroy; and eldest son, Major Brandon Hawn McElroy.  He is survived by JoAnne Hawn McElroy of Athens, Texas, and his children; Blake McElroy and wife Cindy of Richardson, Texas, and his daughter, Brooke McElroy, of College Station, Texas.  He is also survived by his brother, Tommy McElroy and wife Mary of Rusk, Texas; sister Sharon McElroy, of Las Vegas, Nevada; and grandson Cord Wiley of Fort Worth, Texas along with many other nieces, nephews, and his very good friend, Suzann McCarty of Rusk Texas.  Visitation for Ronny will be Friday, January 17, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk, with a Celebration of Life service Saturday, January 18, at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Rusk. Memorials can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Rusk, TX.