Roll Call Tribute

Paul Grady Hoermann 

September 7, 1950 - December 18, 2024 

Described by his teammates as the toughest athlete they ever played with, Paul Grady Hoermann left the field for the final time on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the age of 74. Grady left this world entirely too early but was known for his dedication and devotion to his family, his teammates, and his friends. For one to know Grady, they knew he was a devoted and often times a ruthless athlete but to know him off the field was to know a gentle giant.

Grady was a loving and caring father to Rusty, Emily, and Heather. Most of their childhood they fondly recall their father coaching them in various sports. Grady was the coach who inspired one generation of Alamo Heights youth. Not only did they have a coach who was a famous athlete as their guide, but they also had a friend. He was competitive and inspiring to those many youths, teaching them how to be a good teammate for life.

Grady was raised on a farm in Seguin, Texas as the youngest of seven brothers and one sister. He often touted that he was the seventh son of the seventh son, fondly referring to the large Hoermann family from which he descended. Growing up with six older brothers meant one thing, Grady had to be tough. Not only did he grow up working the family farm, but he also regularly romped with his brothers, cousins, and even his sister on and off the field.

Growing up tough was what led him to his football career. At Seguin High School, Grady was an All-American linebacker and later inducted into their hall of fame. This leadership and dedication to the game caught the attention of Gene Stallings who excitedly recruited Grady to the Texas A&M football team in 1969. At Texas A&M, Grady became well-known for his brutality on the field. Teammates were known to say, “No one hit as hard as Grady” which made him an opponent to fear. This led to Grady being one of the Aggies' all-time leading tacklers and named a two-time All-Southwest Conference Linebacker and as honorable mention All-American. One would think Grady was also aggressive off the field, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. He gave his all on the field but was known as a gentle and loving man to his family and friends.

After graduating from Texas A&M in 1973, Grady was drafted into the CFL but his Seguin roots made the thought of moving to Canada unappealing. He played for several semi-pro football teams in San Antonio and later joined a national championship rugby team. Once again, Grady was known as the player who wouldn’t give up. His teammates credited him with playing a major part in their national championship thus earning him lifelong friendships.

Professionally, Grady was known for his work in construction and real estate appraising. His passion, however, steered him towards his church, Alamo Heights United Methodist Church, and several charitable organizations such as the Alamo Kiwanis Club where he was a large contributor to the annual San Antonio area all-star football game. He was also greatly involved in the San Antonio A&M Club as his blood literally ran maroon. Socially, he made lasting friendships at events for the Town Club of San Antonio.

Grady was preceded in death by his parents, Lena and Albert Hoermann, his brothers and their spouses, Harvey and Leona Hoermann, Leroy and Wanda Hoermann, Bob and Dorothy Hoermann, Sidney and Kaye Hoermann, Jesse Hoermann, and brother-in-law John Spellman. He is survived by his sister Doris Spellman; brother, Arlon and Susan Hoermann. He is mourned by his children, Rusty and Kerri Hoermann, Emily and Brad McMurray, and Heather and Matt Etlinger. He is also survived by his grandchildren Wilkes, Reilly, and Madge Hoermann; Eloise, Callie, Mills, and Ben McMurray; Maddie and Harper Etlinger. To say Grady Hoermann will be missed is an understatement but his legacy will live on, and his children hope his family and friends will keep that legacy and spirit alive so his grandchildren may know of the inspiration he was.

Services will be held at St. Andrew’s Church and School located at 722 Robinhood Place, San Antonio TX 78209 at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The family encourages all to attend and to bring their stories of Grady with them.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests written stories they can pass down to his grandchildren so they may know him or donations to be made to the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s & Neurodegenerative Diseases.