Robert Grunnah, one of North Texas’ most renowned commercial real estate executives, died July 5 at the age of 80 from complications of a stroke.
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Grunnah’s career began in 1971 when he took a job as president of the investments and land division at Henry S. Miller Cos. He went on to join Younger Partners as an executive managing director in 2014 and remained there until his retirement in 2023. Grunnah also served as president and CEO of Newmarket Group Southwest and president of Reliance Securities Corp.
“Robert was an icon in the shaping of commercial real estate in the Metroplex,” Younger Partners co-Managing Partner Moody Younger said in an email to Bisnow. “A true visionary, his enthusiasm and influence had a profound impact on our company's culture and the entire commercial real estate community.
“Robert was generous with both his time and knowledge. It is a blessing and an honor to have worked with such a legend. His presence and friendship will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.”
Grunnah received the 2024 Michael F. McAuley Lifetime Achievement Award from the North Texas Commercial Association of Realtors for his many contributions to the industry.
In addition to helping launch the NTCAR Hall of Fame event in 1987, Grunnah was a co-founder, chairman and director of the Land Council of North Texas. He was also vice chairman and board governor at the Greater Dallas Association of Realtors and co-publisher of the first three editions of The Book on Dallas/Fort Worth Commercial Real Estate. He was the 1998 recipient of the NTCAR Stemmons Service Award.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of one of my best friends and mentor,” Darrell Hurmis, executive vice president and principal in the land and investments division at Henry S. Miller, wrote to Bisnow. “This is a huge loss for the North Texas commercial real estate community. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed.”
Outside of CRE, Grunnah was a decorated veteran who served in the Air Force from 1966 to 1971. He was passionate about dogs and thoroughbreds, which he raised and raced on a farm in Edgewood and at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie.
Grunnah is survived by his “lifelong love, Jeri, his son, Robert Jr., and his daughter, Elizabeth,” Robert Jr. told Bisnow by email.
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