The Mayor of Brookshire Brothers

The following is a reprint of an article submitted by local attorney Larry Sinclair and was/is a wonderful tribute to longtime friend that recently passed away

September 23, 2022
by Larry and Dianne Sinclair Contributing writers

Many of you may not realize that we have something of a celebrity in town … the Mayor of Brookshires. Yes, and it’s none other than Ronny McElroy, Rusk’s own version of Will Rogers. That’s right. The manager and employees of our local Brookshire Brothers store have appropriately dubbed Ronny as the “Mayor of Brookshires.”

Ronny stops by Brookshires several times a day, for a cup of coffee and to greet, joke and visit with not only employees of Brookshires, but also with other folks who happen to be in the store. The title of Mayor seems completely appropriate for Ronny, and any would-be politician could learn a lot from Ronny’s friendliness and ability to strike up a pleasant conversation with just about everyone he encounters.

Ronny McElroy’s family moved to Rusk when he was only 4 or 5 years old, and operated Mac’s Bait and Tackle Shop on East Highway 84 for many years. Ronny attended public schools here from grades one through 12, graduating from Rusk High School in 1965. Ronny attended Stephen F. Austin State University before entering military service. Eventually, he resumed his college education at SFA, graduating in 1972. After living in Athens for a number of years, Ronny returned to reside in Rusk in 1998. 
Ronny has a son, Blake, who lives in Richardson and a daughter, Brooke, who lives in Athens. In 2018 Ronny lost a son, Major Brandon McElroy, who had previously served with distinction on active duty tours in Iraq and Kuwait.

Although he no longer has any aspirations for public office, during the years he lived in Athens, Ronny was elected to and served on the Athens City Council for four years. He was also active in the Junior Chamber of Commerce, where he was recognized as “Jaycee of the Year in Texas” and also “Outstanding Young Men of America.” Ronny’s homespun personality and ability to engage anyone he meets in friendly conversation have facilitated his community service.

In a day when conflict and divisiveness seem to prevail at all levels of society, the world needs folks like Ronny McElroy … a likeable person with a contagious smile and a quick wit who can connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. He always has some words of good humor and encouragement.

Running into Ronny McElroy at the Post Office, at Brookshires or just on the street somewhere, brings a smile to your face, lifts your spirit and is encouraging. In fact, I believe that’s Ronny’s special gift to Rusk … that of being an encourager.

He probably won’t mention it to you, but Ronny is currently struggling with a serious health issue. He’s not the kind of person to feel sorry for himself or to seek out sympathy, but Ronny needs our prayers, as he undergoes medical treatment.

So, if you are a person of prayer, please take a few moments today and in the coming days to pray for the Mayor of Brookshires Brothers. We need to keep him around.