Lonnie Ray Grumbles

Funeral services for Lonnie Ray Grumbles, 92, of Pollok will be held Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Wells with Pastor Vergil Morgan officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Mr. Grumbles  was born March 8, 1932 in Austin, Texas to the late Lillie Eugenia (Walker) and James Albert Grumbles, and died Friday, August 23, 2024 in a local nursing home.

Lonnie Ray had resided in Wells most of his life, and just in recent years moved to Pollok. He retired as a Foreman from Temple Industries in Diboll. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.

During his younger years Lonnie Ray enjoyed racing his ‘#8-Ball’ racecar at the Old Redland Racetrack alongside his brother Leon and other friends. He loved to hunt and fish and would be sure to tell any of his kids and grandkids with a huge grin on his face, that “I will take you fishing, but you know who is going to catch the most fish”…and he did just that!  Lonnie Ray loved hunting so much that after his heart surgery in September of 2023, he excitedly told the doctor that “deer season was coming”. The doctor promptly shared with him that he likely would not get to go hunting that year, assuming he would be too weak. But in true Lonnie Ray spirit, in October of 2023, with the assistance of his grandson and a dear family friend, they lovingly helped Lonnie Ray onto a deer stand and, on that hunt, (that he was told he would never see happen), Lonnie shot his first ever big red stag at the young age of 91 years old! This was his last deer to be hunted but was the biggest trophy deer that he had ever shot and the one he was most proud of.

He enjoyed working on anything mechanical from fixing a friend’s boat motor, vehicles, 4-wheelers or lawnmowers – many people around Wells and the surrounding areas would bring their items to Lonnie Ray knowing he would gladly fix them. He did many good deeds for those in need and was always happy to help anyone he could. He loved bluegrass music, playing 42 dominoes and camping at the deer lease or the river.

Lonnie Ray never wanted a lot in life, but he loved to see young people happy and was always willing to do and give what he could to help a younger person. He was so proud of all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and with that being said, I know in lieu of flowers, he would want friends and family to donate to the Youth Group at Calvary Baptist Church in Wells, P.O. Box 360, Wells, Texas 75976 or online at www.calvarybaptistwells.org and click on the link to give.

Lonnie Ray had no enemies and to know him was to love him. He was that lifelong friend who would be there for you till the end. He was loved by many, and his bright infectious smile will be dearly missed by all who had the blessing to know him.

Survivors include his daughters, Joyce Crippen of Pollok, Nancy Lout of Diboll, Sheila Thacker of Lufkin, Lisa Sherrard and husband Robert of Pollok; 12 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Charlie and Ruth Grumbles of Lufkin; sister and brother-in-law, Lillie and Billy Joe Pierce of Diboll; special friends, Larry and Lisa Bailey, Riley and Jan O’Quinn, Dru McMillon; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 54 years, Myrtle (Doss) Grumbles; son and daughter-in-law, Derrell and Billie Thacker; grandson, Bradley Sherrard; brothers, Leon Grumbles, James A. Grumbles; sister, Beatrice Steel; and special friend, Don Byrd.

Pallbearers will be Abb Grumbles, Jarrad Grumbles, Jason Morgan, Robert Sherrard, Chad Hooper, and Caleb Due.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.