Facility honors venerable Troup citizen

Eugene McElory was no stranger to respect and appreciation from the Troup community for his many years of public service. A ceremony this Sunday, however, will offer the most personal tribute as his family dedicates "Mr. Mac's Cook Shack" at Troup's United Methodist Church.

"It was mother's idea," said son Joe Paul McElroy. "She wanted something as a living memory or memorial."

Kathleen McElroy also thought that the church needed a gathering place, which makes the large pavilion bearing her husband's name a perfect mix of sense and sentiment.

The official dedication will be Sunday at noon. According to pastor Mike Cline, the event will be short on ceremony and long on fellowship, with the cook shack's barbecue pits being put to good use.

"Mr. McElroy loved to cook out. He has always been involved in our Methodist Men's Group and loved the time cooking and talking," said Cline.

Although the pavilion is equipped with picnic tables, the plan is to move inside to eat due to the hot weather, said Cline.

Mr. Mac's Cook Shack is located behind Troup UMC and will be a gathering and fellowship place for the church.

Mr. McElroy died in August of 2006 after many years in the public arena, serving as school superintendent, on the Troup Chamber of Commerce, Troup Industrial Foundation, Rotary Club and many other organizations.

He and his wife both taught at Troup ISD. He became superintendent in 1963 and retired in 1979.

Though he pursued a law degree while teaching, and was a member of the Texas State Bar, he never practiced law.

"He enjoyed being around kids, working with them and helping kids," said Joe Paul. "He stayed in the school business because that was his love."

His community was a priority, too, and Mr. McElroy was honored in March with the Troup Chamber of Commerce's first lifetime achievement award.

His family accepted the award on his behalf, and offers a version of their own this Sunday, dedicating a place that will be a living memorial to a muchloved husband, father, grandfather and public servant.