William Groves Jr.

William Boone Groves, Jr. MATTHEWS - William Boone Groves, Jr. of Matthews, NC, passed on to abide with his Lord and Savior May 3, 2015, at the age of 84. Boone was born on January 3, 1931 in Pittsburgh, PA to the late William Boone and Elizabeth Shaw Groves. Boone is survived by the love of his life and best friend, Jacquelyn (Jacque), whom he was married to for almost 60 years. Together they shared a life of great happiness and affection. He leaves behind his three beloved children, their wonderful spouses and eight remarkable grandchildren: Stephen, (Joy) of Charlotte, NC, and their children Brian (Olivia), Logan (Madeline), and Laura Grace; Betsy, (Sam Dobrotka) of Huntersville, NC and their children Samuel, Sarah and Peter; and David, (Sandy) of San Diego, CA and their children Dylan and Olivia. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, George Groves. Boone grew up in Pittsburgh, PA where he had deep historical roots, especially in Glenshaw, which is named after his descendants. He attended St. Andrew's prep school and graduated from Yale University with a business degree. After two years in the Army, Boone worked 33 years for the Aluminum Company of America. He started in field sales in St. Louis, and later moved back to Pittsburgh for various marketing assignments. After retiring from Alcoa, he became a Certified Financial Planner and spent his later years working for Allegheny Investments. In Pittsburgh, he was an active member of Memorial Park Presbyterian Church. He served as an elder and was part of a vibrant small group with Jacque for years. Boone had a passion for life and believed in living it to the fullest. His interests were many, including astronomy, photography, and cheering on his beloved Steelers. He was also a member of the Civil War Round Table in Charlotte. He and Jacque enjoyed traveling the world and instilled that love of travel and adventure in their children and grandchildren. Boone enjoyed genealogy and did extensive research of the Groves, Boone, and Shaw families. He was particularly interested in his Scottish heritage and visited his Aunt Margaret Shaw Campbell and her husband John several times on the Hebridean Isle of Canna. The last time being when he took his three children to celebrate his aunt's 100th birthday. One of Boone's biggest loves was reading, particularly about world history and the relationship between God and science. He marveled at the great mysteries and wonders of this universe and now he has all of his questions answered! Boone Groves was a man of incredible character and dignity who had extraordinary capacity for love and concern for others. Inquisitive by nature, he would seek to learn something about all whom he met, taking time to hear their stories and share a laugh with them. With his children he went further; encouraging their dreams and interests and visiting them wherever they lived around the U.S. As a father of three young children, he was always the instigator for a new adventure, and almost every summer would load the kids into to the station wagon and set out to explore a new state or National Park. Later, he began the tradition of a week vacation at the beach where all the kids and grandkids could gather, make wonderful memories, and share much laughter and joy. Boone constantly demonstrated his love for his family and had a never-ending positive outlook on life that was contagious to anyone who was around him. Boone Groves was a great example of a life well lived. A devoted husband, father and grandfather who is deeply loved, he will be missed by all who knew him. The family wishes to thank Brookdale Weddington Park for their devotion while Boone was in their care. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Monday, May 18 at 11 a.m. at Sardis Presbyterian Church, 6100 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC, 28270. The family will receive guests at a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Association at http://www.nationalmssociety.org or to Sardis Presbyterian Church.