Andrews Eugene Groves Sr. passed away in Robertsdale on Oct. 8, 2011.
He was born in 1930 in Huron, S.D. to Claire Elmer and Lenna Hook Groves. He attended Columbia High School in Columbia, S.C., where he graduated as valedictorian of his class. He attended the University of South Carolina and graduated with a degree in accounting. He later received his master’s degree in business management from Central Michigan University.
He worked with Walker Associates, a CPA firm in Fort Smith, Ark., and with Rock Hill Natural Gas in Rock Hill, S.C. before moving to Columbia to work as vice president and controller of Ben Arnold Co. He and President Norman Arnold saw the company expand from a small family owned organization to a very large corporation in the 30 years he was there.
In 1993, he retired and was able to spend lots of time at his home in Saluda, N.C. He and his wife later moved to Daphne to be close to their family.
He was very active in many Columbia civic organizations, including the Executive Association (EAGC), The Rotary Club of downtown Columbia, The Boys Club, YMCA and Chamber of Commerce.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon and elder, and enjoyed the Friday morning men’s Bible study group.
He taught night classes in accounting at the University of S.C. and at Midlands Tech.
He is survived by his loving wife, Margie, of Daphne; his devoted children, Claire Groves McCarron and husband, Kevin, of Orange Beach and Andrews (Andy) Groves and his wife, Cheryl, of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; four grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Matthew and Rebecca Groves and Caitlin Garrett Baker; as well as other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011, at 11 a.m., from the chapel of Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home in Fairhope.
The family will receive friends on Monday, Oct. 10, 2011, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the funeral home.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. John Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Neil Rucker and Mr. and Mrs. Bill Rogers, as well as the caregivers at Fairhope Health and Rehab Center.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to The Boys Club of Columbia, S.C., 500 Gracern Road, Columbia, SC 29210.
Arrangements by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes and Crematory, Fairhope.
