Andrews Eugene "Gene" Groves, Sr.

DAPHNE, AL Andrews Eugene Groves, Sr. passed away in Robertsdale, AL, on October 8, 2011. He was born in 1930, in Huron, SD, to Claire Elmer and Lenna Hook Groves. He attended Columbia High School in Columbia, SC, 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 Masters degree from Central Michigan University in Business Management. He worked with Walker Associates, a CPA firm in Fort Smith, AK, and with Rock Hill Natural Gas in Rock Hill, SC, before moving to Columbia to work as Vice President and controller of Ben Arnold Company. 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, NC. He and his wife later moved to Daphne, AL, 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, AL,his devoted children, Claire Groves McCarron and husband Kevin of Orange Beach, AL, Andrews (Andy) Groves and his wife Cheryl of Mt. Pleasant, SC,4 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, October 11, 2011, at 11:00 am, from the chapel of Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home in Fairhope, AL. The family will receive friends on Monday, October 10, 2011, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home in Fairhope, AL. 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, SC, 500 Gracern Rd, Columbia, SC 29210. ARRANGEMENTS BYWOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES& CREMATORY, INC19698 GREENO ROADFAIRHOPE, AL 36532