William “Bill” Warren Groves, Jr. obituary

[Mel S - '96 Safari]

Peggy Groves posted this on FaceBook:

 

 

 

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home  Bay St. Louis, MS

 

William “Bill” Warren Groves, Jr. 70, of Pass Christian, MS passed away Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at his home in Pass Christian.

Bill was born in Adams, Massachusetts, January 24, 1951 to William Warren Groves, Sr and Barbara Groves Chapman. After Bill’s father passed away, his mother remarried, and the family moved to Pass Christian in 1965.

Bill graduated from Pass Christian High School, already interested in electronics, which led him to Mississippi State University. Bill gained a degree in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. Upon graduation he went to work for Square D Company in Metairie, LA. Bill met Chuck Ramsey and soon went to work with him at Bay Technical Associates in Bay St. Louis. In a few years Bill formed his own electronics business, GTEK, Inc. in Bay St. Louis, where he developed the “multi-port serial card” used in many personal and enterprise computer systems. GTEK was a family owned business.

While at Mississippi State University, Hugh Castles, Bill’s fraternity brother, introduced Bill to his sister, Peggy Castles, of Starkville, MS. Bill and Peggy were married three years later. They had four children, Barbara Marie Groves, William “Billy” Warren Groves III, Joseph Robert Groves, and Michael Carson Groves.

Bill’s thriving company allowed him to pursue his other interests and passions. In the mid 80’s Bill started taking flying lessons and eventually purchased his own plane, allowing him to take his family from coast to coast. He also loved boating as he and his brother, Kevin, purchased a Grand Banks which the family used for outings to Cat and Ship Islands. After many years the Grand Banks and the plane were sold and new adventures began for Bill, Peggy and the family. From the sky to the sea to the land, it was now time for family camping.

Over the years, Bill and Peggy had developed a love for traveling across this country. In 2005 Hurricane Katrina caused Bill & Peggy to retire. A motor home was purchased the year prior in which they took their first extended trip to Montana for a family reunion. For seven years the miles added up, and the 1st motor home was replaced by the present model, the Monaco Dynasty, in which Bill and Peggy made “home”. Due to COVID-19 issues, travel has been extremely limited, only going back and forth to Bill’s hometown in Adams, MA.

Through his RV’ing, Bill became exceptionally knowledgeable in how the Monaco motor coach worked electrically and electronically. This knowledge was passed on to other Monaco RV owners. Bill was a member of the Elks Lodge in Adams, MA, Family Motor Coach Association, Monacoers RV Club, Monaco International, Magnolia Ramblers, Dogwood Chapter, and the Northeast Pacers.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Bill Sr. and Barbara Groves Chapman and son William “Billy” Warren III.

He is survived by his wife Peggy of 47 years, and three children, Barbara, Joey, and Michael. One brother, John Kevin Groves (Cindy), five grandchildren Bailey Groves(20), Gavin Groves(15), Mina Groves(12), Felix Digges (12) and Blu Zaretsky (14). He is also survived by his loyal four footed companions Cinderella, Zippy, and most of all, Mini.

Funeral Services will be Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at Edmond Fahey Funeral Home in Bay St. Louis at 12 noon. The family will receive guests from 10:30 am to 12 noon. Interment will be at Bellevue Cemetery in Adams, MA in the spring.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, masks and social distancing will be required.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Humane Society or the charity of their choice.

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home in Bay St. Louis is in charge of arrangements.

Edited February 8, 2021 by Mel S - '96 Safari

[T. Argy]

My sincerest condolences to the family and friends. Bill helped me many times many ways with my motorcoach. 

[Gary M]

R.I.P. Bill! Wish I could have met you.

My condolences to his family.