Morris Allen "Buddy" McElroy Sr., 66, of Hallettsville, passed away February 12, 2014. He was born on March 4, 1947 to Morris & Dorothy Gregory McElroy in Yoakum, Texas. He married Melissa Coffman on November 21, 1992 at the McElroy Family Home in Hallettsville.

Buddy loved life, family and country, and he never met a stranger. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and retired from DuPont after 34 years of service. He was an avid NASCAR fan who shared his love of racing with his children. He enjoyed restoring classic cars and taking his vintage Corvette to area car shows. He was an outdoorsman and spent many memorable seasons hunting with his son. Buddy adored all of his children and their spouses, and it thrilled him to spend time with his grandchildren. Buddy enjoyed traveling, seeing new things with his wife and dear friends David & Gay Nell Thorndike. His sudden departure from this life leaves his family deeply saddened.

Buddy is survived by: his wife Melissa; his mother Dorothy McElroy of Hallettsville; 2 sons, Morris Allen McElroy Jr. & wife Jamie of Victoria, and Charles Soechting Jr. & wife Lindsay of Dallas; daughter Tammy McElroy Williams & husband Randy of Edna; brother Roger Dale McElroy of Hallettsville; and 4 grandchildren, Alexis, Clayton, Emory and Charles III.

Buddy was preceded in death by his father Morris D. McElroy.

Funeral Service: 2 pm, Saturday, February 15, 2014 at Kubena Funeral Home.

Visitation: 6 pm, Friday, at Kubena Funeral Home.

Officiant: Rev. George Hayhurst.

Pallbearers: James Calaway, Joe Ingram, Blake Thorndike, David Thorndike, Dennis Groll, Ronnie McElroy, Darryl McElroy, and Kenneth McElroy.

Honorary Pallbearers: Sean Dietzel, Rolando Cantu, Gene Bujnoch, Hayley Thorndike, Gay Nell Thorndike, McElroy / Gregory & Appelt cousins and DuPont Family.

Memorials: American Heart Association, Texas Children Hospital, American Cancer Society, or Donor's Choice.

Burial: Salem Cemetery.