Joe Ernest Grubbs, Jr. passed away on April 11, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering service, dedication, and love. Born on February 1, 1937, in Kaufman, Texas, to Sarah Simmons Duncan and Joe Ernest Grubbs, Sr., Joe's life was greatly enriched by the values instilled in him from an early age.
A graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas, Texas (1955), Joe's pursuit of knowledge led him to Texas A&M University, where he earned a degree in Entomology in 1960. While at A&M, he distinguished himself as a dedicated member of the "A" Quartermaster Company and earned the honor of handling Reveille II during his sophomore year.
Following his college years, Joe served his country in the United States Army, Initially he was stationed at Fort Lee, Virginia. His commitment continued in the Army Reserve with the Second Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas, where he rose to the rank of Captain—a testament to his leadership and perseverance.
Joe's professional career flourished as he embarked on a long and successful journey with Wyeth Ayrest Laboratories. Beginning as a pharmaceutical salesman in Texarkana, Texas, his remarkable work ethic and numerous awards eventually led to his promotion in 1972 to District Manager for Oklahoma and surrounding state territories in Texas, Kansas, and Arkansas.
While in Texarkana, he was introduced to his lifelong partner, Betty Lynn. The couple married on December 28, 1963, and together they celebrated 62 wonderful years of marriage. After a distinguished 37-year career with Wyeth Ayrest, Joe retired, having called both the OKC and Edmond areas home before finally settling in Plano, Texas.
In his retirement years, Joe embraced the simple joys of life—tending to his pecan farm and cherishing moments spent with his family. His spiritual life flourished as well; while residing in Edmond, Oklahoma, he was an active member of Quail Springs Baptist Church and completed Bible Study Fellowship. In Plano and the neighboring Frisco area, he contributed as a charter member of Stonebriar Community Church.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joe E. Grubbs, Sr., and Sarah Grubbs of Dallas, Texas; his sister, Nan G. Phillips of Lake Wales, Florida; and his dear in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Moon of Texarkana, Arkansas, his grandparents, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins, whom he dearly loved. He is survived by his devoted wife, Betty Lynn Grubbs of Plano, Texas; his daughter, Dina Sparkman of Plano; his son, Joe D. Grubbs and daughter-in-law, Kristi of McKinney, Texas; and his sister, Kelly Womack and her husband, Kevin of Dallas, Texas. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Billy Moon of Texarkana, Arkansas; his grandchildren, Megan Hanzel and her husband, Jason, Sarah Grubbs of McKinney, Abigail Garrett and her husband, Dylan of Prosper, Texas, and Hannah Torres and her husband, Carlos of Frisco, Texas. Joe leaves behind six great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and cousins from the Grubbs, Duncan, and Moon families who will cherish his memory.
Joe's life was a mosaic of service, professional achievement, and family devotion. His enduring impact on his community, his colleagues, and his loved ones will be remembered always. He will be deeply missed, yet his spirit remains in every life he touched.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, April 20, 2026, at East Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 5200 East Broad Street, Texarkana, Arkansas 71854.
The family will receive guests during a visitation from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.