Randall Darrell Grooms Sr.

Randall D. Grooms, Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, and lifelong advocate for agriculture, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Born on March 29, 1936, in Brownwood, Texas, to Thelma and Cleo Grooms, Randall was the eldest of five children and the steady anchor of a hardworking family rooted in faith, love, endurance, and the land. A celebration of Randall's life will be held at Stewart Family Funeral Home on April 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM with Dr. David O. Dykes officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior. Raised on a farm and ranch in Bangs, Texas, in the Depression era, Randall learned the values of grit, generosity, and gratitude early in life. Alongside his siblings—Dwayne, Marcus, and twin sisters Marilyn and Carolyn—he worked cattle, plowed fields, and embraced the rhythm of farm life. While his father toiled to make a crop in years both bountiful and lean, his mother's kitchen was a constant—warm, welcoming, and filled with the aromas of homecooked meals prepared for family, ranch hands, and guests alike. At just five years old, Randall met the love of his life, Henrietta Hill, whose family's farm was just down the road. Their love story didn't begin until their teenage years, but once it did, it was a bond that never wavered. They married when Randall was 19 and Henrietta 20—"scandalous," they would laugh—and began their life together while attending Howard Payne University. They honeymooned in Turner Falls, Oklahoma, marking the beginning of what would become nearly seven decades of deep love, respect, and devotion. Next December, Randall and Henrietta would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary—a testament to a life built together with unshakable love and shared purpose. Their journey led them first to Lubbock, Texas, where Randall earned his degree in Animal Science from Texas Tech University. From there, they moved to Lexington, Kentucky, where he earned a Master's degree from the University of Kentucky, and then to Athens, Georgia, where he began his PhD, taught in the Animal Science Department at the University of Georgia, and mentored many animal science students regarding their career paths. It was in Georgia that Randall and Henrietta welcomed their three beloved children—Randy, Tawnya, and Twila. In 1969, following the tragic loss of their home to a fire, Randall completed his PhD and returned to Texas to begin a long and impactful career as a Beef Cattle Specialist with the Texas A&M University Research & Extension Service in Overton. His work took him across 29 states and 18 foreign countries, sharing his knowledge and expertise in beef cattle production and selection. A mentor, educator, and renowned cattle judge, Randall's accolades are too numerous to list, but he was especially proud to serve as the Superintendent of the Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Contest at the Fort Worth Livestock Show for 30 years and when the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course was dedicated to him in 2017. In addition to his professional career, Randall proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel-an achievement he held in great esteem. After retiring in 1996, Randall remained active and service-minded. He found great joy in volunteering with the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary, participating in the Fellowship Class at Green Acres Baptist Church, serving as a Bible Study Fellowship leader, dressing as Uncle Sam for the church's Fourth of July celebrations, fishing, traveling with Henrietta, their friends and grandchildren, and playing 42 and Mexican Train with his dear friends. Randall was known for his quick wit and his endless supply of one-liners, always ready with a sharp comment or a good joke that could light up the room. More than any professional achievement, Randall's greatest joy and legacy was his family. He deeply loved his three children, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren, and he found endless pride in each of their lives. He also cherished the lifelong friendships that brought him laughter and support through the years—especially his 40-year friendship with Ampora and Ramone Cocolan, a special relationship that he held close to his heart. Randall is survived by his beloved wife, Henrietta Grooms; his son, Randy Grooms and wife Jo Ann of Tyler, Texas; his daughter, Tawnya Boatwright and husband Michael of Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and his daughter, Twila Grooms and husband Mark Cady of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Clayton Grooms, Carter Grooms and his wife Grace and their children Annie and Walker; Cullen Grooms and his children Poppy Jo and Fraser; Conner Grooms and his wife Sarah and their child Teddy; Drew Boatwright and Silas Boatwright. He is also survived by his brother, Dwayne Grooms and wife Barbara, and his sister, Carolyn Sears and husband John. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cleo and Thelma Grooms; his brother, Marcus Grooms; and his sister, Marilyn. Since suffering a debilitating stroke in 2015, Randall and his family were blessed by the care and compassion of many incredible caregivers. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to all who helped, with special thanks to Angela Montgomery-Adams, Angie Black, Anealya ("NeNe") Horn, Angel Hands Hospice, and David Bulls for their unwavering support and kindness. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Scholarship Fund (https://www.rodeohouston.com/scholarships-and-grants), Women's Auxiliary of the Salvation Army-Tyler (https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/tyler/advisory-board--auxiliary), Green Acres Baptist Church Senior Ministry (https://www.gabc.org), and/or the Alzheimer's Alliance (https://www.alzalliance.org). "Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23

Randall Darrell Grooms Sr.

March 29, 1936 - April 25, 2025