Robert M. "Buddy" Groff Jr. passed away at his home on January 20, 2015 at the age of 89. He was born on March 25, 1925 at the family ranch in Quihi, Texas. Buddy started his roping career at the age of fourteen, and after graduating from Hondo High School in 1943, he joined the rodeo circuit. He married the love of his life, Bonnie Ulbrich Groff in 1948, and together they traveled the United States while he competed in match ropings and professional rodeos as a calf roper and steer wrestler. Throughout his years in the rodeo industry, he earned many honors and awards including winning the title of Reserve World Champion calf roper in both 1954 and 1956. He was inducted into the Heroes Hall of Fame in Bandera, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in Temple, the Oregon Rodeo Hall of Fame in Saint Paul, and the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. He finally retired from the rodeo profession in 1960 when he began ranching. He was a jack of all trades, but the work he enjoyed the most was at both the Hondo and Pearsall Livestock Auctions, which he continued until the last week of his life. Determined and honest, stubborn and strong, Buddy showed all the traits of a true cowboy and devoted family man. His favorite quote was "I started out rodeoing with a $2500 horse, $500 trailer, $2200 car, $2000 down payment on a house and a $2 marriage license. The horse, trailer, car, and house are gone, but I still have my $2 wife." He and Bonnie enjoyed many travels and never met a stranger. Buddy is preceded in death by his father Robert M. Groff Sr, mother Nita Schuehle Groff, an infant daughter, daughter Nancy Ann Groff, brother Sonny Groff and sister-in-law Elene Groff, sister Sis Graff and brother-in-law Frank Graff. He is survived by Bonnie Groff, his wife of 66 years, son Mike and daughter-in-law Brenda Groff, grandson Robby and wife Sarah Groff, granddaughter Kara and husband Trey Mumme, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held at 3 pm, Thursday January 22 at the First United Methodist Church in Hondo followed by interment at the Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to the charity of your choice.