Obituary of Willis Gene Groves

"Pappy Gene" Groves, 88, of Bruceton Mills, WV, went to sing and play in the Lord's Choir with his brother on July 9, 2016. He passed peacefully with his wife, his children and their spouses by his side at his home. The son of the late Alva and Hazel Loraw Groves, he was born October 27, 1927, in Preston County. Gene was a member of the Little Sandy Church of the Nazarene of which he was superintendent for over 40 years. Later in life, he attended Mt. Moriah United Methodist Church with his family. He was well known for playing his guitar and singing. his signature song, "God's Coloring Book". God, music and family were a big part of his life. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army and retired from Mon Power after 43 years of service where he started as a laborer and worked his way up to Line Engineer and Inspector. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Doris Graham Groves; two daughters and their husbands, Lois and Gerald Martin of Valley Point, WV, and Linda and Gary Mayfield of Bruceton Mills; a son and his wife. Lyle and Janet Groves of Bruceton Mills; seven grandchildren: Ty (Amy) Martin, Jeremy (Heather) Martin, Chad (Michelle) Martin, Mindy Mayfield, Christina Mayfield, Stephanie Groves (Steven Blosser), Steven Groves and Lyle (Buddy) Groves Jr.; and seven great grandchildren: Zack, Katie, Gage, Ragan, Mason and Brianna Martin, and Brody Blosser. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Larry Gene Groves; a sister, Dortha Bayles; and a brother, Willard Groves. Family and friends may call at the Carl R. Spear Funeral Home in Brandonville-Bruceton Mills, Monday, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and Tuesday, July 12, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. service in the funeral chapel, with Pastors Mark Harris and Chad Harvey officiating. Burial will follow in the Sugar Valley Cemetery with military honors provided by the Preston County VFW Posts, the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 977 Preston County, WV, and WVANG Military Funeral Honors, Camp Dawson. The family would like to thank Preston County Home Health, Senior Center, Amedisys Hospice Care and Norma Johnson for their care and support. Also, thanks to Pastors Mark Harris and Chad Harvey. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Condolences: spearfuneralhome.net Mills, WV.