Dr. Mace L. Brindley

Mace Lain Brindley passed away peacefully Sunday, May 17, 2026, at The Delaney, surrounded by his family.

A service celebrating his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 15, 2026, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Mace was born March 4, 1948, in Kingsville, Texas, to Claunch Goldthwaite Brindley and Gladys Elanie Brindley. As an infant, he moved to Houston with his mother following his parents’ divorce. Raised by a single mother, Mace spent his childhood in Houston, where he developed the determination, humility, and work ethic that would define his life.

He graduated from Lamar High School, where he discovered a lifelong love of golf. Mace attended The University of Texas at Austin and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. During his freshman year, he met the love of his life, Trisha Ruby. The two were married on March 7, 1970, in Austin, Texas, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span more than five decades.

Mace worked a variety of jobs to put himself through both college and medical school. After only three years at UT, his exceptional grades earned him early acceptance into the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. This achievement brought him tremendous pride as he followed in the footsteps of his father and two older brothers into the medical profession. Though he rarely spoke of it, Mace graduated top in his medical school class, a reflection of both his sharp mind and quiet humility.

He loved his years in medical school and especially cherished his two-year residency in Salt Lake City, where he discovered his lifelong passion for the mountains and skiing.

During his residency, Mace and Trisha welcomed their first two children, Ben and Chelsa. Shortly after the birth of their daughter, the family moved to Waco where Mace began his career as an otolaryngologist. At forty he was blessed with his third daughter, Tara Bethea Brindley. Being a father was one of his greatest joys, and immensely special because of growing up without a father. He also deeply loved practicing medicine and often said the greatest part of his work was helping people. He was beloved by generations of patients and families he cared for throughout his career.

Outside of medicine, Mace loved golf — and then more golf. He was an avid supporter of the Texas Longhorns and held season football tickets for many years. He was also an active member of the Waco medical community and a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Mace was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Bethea Brindley and Paul Brindley; his sister-in-law, Nancy Grimes; and many beloved relatives and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Trisha Ruby Brindley; his son, Mace Benjamin Brindley and wife, Ashley Brindley; his daughters, Chelsa Brindley Ressetar and husband, JD Ressetar, and Tara Brindley Henderson and husband, Cory Henderson.

More than anything, Mace loved being “Doc.” He often joked that had he known how wonderful grandchildren were, he might have skipped straight to that stage of life. He leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren: Allison, Brindley, and Ruby Ressetar; Cooper and Millie Henderson; and Mace and Lain Brindley. He is survived by other close relatives - Ed and Louann Ruby, Laura and Doug Ruby, Mary Ellen Brindley, Mary Gayle Wiffin, Tammy Brindley, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mace battled Alzheimer’s disease for more than five years with remarkable grace, humor, and positivity. Until recently, he could still be found working out at WRS alongside many dear friends. His funny one-liners and amazing humor lasted until the end. The family would especially like to thank Jim Bowen and Scott Jones for their steadfast friendship, care, and support throughout his diagnosis and journey. Mace passed away Sunday evening shortly after Tara arrived from Colorado. He was kind, funny, and thoughtful to the very end.

Honorary pallbearers are Jim Bowen, Scott Jones, Tom Lundeen, Mike Attas, Jim Copeland, Web Lowder, Gary Becker, Brad Holland, Rod Squires, JP Davis, Robbie Little, Joe Greek, Jimmy Pittman, Billy Turney, Ned Snyder, Scott Kolb, Eddie Morrison, and the “The One O’clock guys from Ridgewood.”

Mace believed that education was so important. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Vanguard College Preparatory School Scholarship Fund or the St. Paul’s Episcopal School Scholarship Fund.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Dr. Brindley in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.