Tom M. McCrory III was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas and graduated in 1967 earning a B.B.A. degree. He then attended Baylor Law School graduating with a J.D. (Juris Doctorate) in 1970. He was a member of social and legal fraternities while at Baylor University. Mr. McCrory returned to Dallas where he served as general counsel to a banking institution for 10 years. Then, in 1980 he entered the private practice of law.