Ernest Rufus Mooney of McGregor passed away Thursday, February 16, 2012. A come and go gathering to celebrate his life will be held Thursday, February 23 at The Main Place, 315 S. Main Street in McGregor, starting at 5pm. Rufus was born March 3, 1942, in McGregor to William Prentice and Ima Jean (Sims) Mooney. He attended McGregor schools and enlisted in the United States Army 348th Engineer Detachment in 1964. He married Doris Marie Schwettmann on November 12, 1966. He worked for Rocketdyne for several years. He owned Mooney Auto Supply in McGregor, Waco and Moody and later worked for Auto Zone and Modern Auto in Waco. At a young age he found his gift of music and later taught many young people to play guitar. He was part of "Roy Robbins and the Availables" and a number of different groups throughout the years. "Moon" was at home on a stage with a guitar and only brought out the fiddle for special occasions (or when the band was paid extra.) He was instrumental in introducing Ray Hennig to the music business. Ray owns "Heart of Texas Music" in Austin. Rufus enjoyed fishing and camping with his kids. He coached Little League Baseball and served on the City Parks board. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, American Legion, and Lion's Club. In recent years, he enjoyed a trip to Hawaii to see his son get married. He was happiest when spending time with his grandchildren, showing them how to hold a fiddle, play a guitar or hit a baseball.He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother Edward Mooney and brother-in-law Herman Fitzhugh. He is survived by his wife Doris Mooney; son, Michael Mooney and wife, Rachel; daughter Tammy Lillard and husband, David; grandchildren Paige, Audrey and Chase Lillard; sister Patsy Fitzhugh; sister in law Jene Mooney and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Dr. Pat Pryor, Dr. Charles Shoultz III and Dr. David Hoffman for their care.In lieu of flowers, for those desiring, memorials may be made to McGregor EMS in care of Mynette Taylor, 311 S. Main, McGregor, TX 76657; Zion Lutheran Church 503 S. Tyler, McGregor, TX 76657 or the charity of choice.