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Harold Groves Obituary
Hal joined the Air Force in 1953 earning his wings and officer's commission in 1955. He earned his BS degree in electrical engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology and his MBA from Auburn University. He was an F-4 fighter pilot during the Viet Nam War, escorting bombers down the Red River valley to Hanoi, earning him the right to be called an AF River Rat. He was also a member of the Order of Daedalians. He retired from the Air Force in 1981. He then worked for The Boeing Company in Seattle, WA, for 14 years before retiring again in 1995 and relocating to Myrtle Beach, SC. Hal was an avid golfer, though he believed that it was the equipment more than skill that contributed to the success of the game.
Hal is survived by his wife, Ginny Levsen, his best friend, James Dean, his "adopted" daughter, Jian Qin, and many generous and loving friends and family, especially his final caregivers, his niece, Lois Finch, and his sister-in-law, Dorie Geniesse. He is also survived by his loving Newfoundland dogs, Keefer and Bacchus, and two cats, Santa Fe and Rebel.
Visitation will be on Monday, August 30th, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM at the funeral home followed by a funeral service at 6:30 PM. Golf apparel will be more than acceptable at both the visitation and the service. Hal will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA, at 9:00 AM on December 9, 2010, with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, Hal has requested that donations be made to your local animal shelter or to any candidate running against Barack Obama in 2012.
An online guest register is available at www.msfh.net
McMillan-Small Funeral Home, 910-67th Ave. N., Myrtle Beach is serving the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Harold Groves
Sponsored by TS.
October 23, 2010
It would have been an honor to know a real American hero such as Harold. God take care of him.
Fran Babel, Clearwater, Fl
Pam Lach
October 19, 2010
May God bless YOU! You are a true American hero!!! I will honor your request.
George Marler
October 19, 2010
What a PATRIOTIC AMERICAN!!!!! You, as a family, should be very proud of him. I shall honor his request.
October 2, 2010
Don't know him, had his obituary e-mailed to me. Sounds like he was a great guy and true American Hero.
OS1 Latto, Steven - retired.
September 30, 2010
Colonel Groves, I never knew you or your family. You're a true American hero. Your family and golf buddies are very lucky to have you in their lives. You will be missed! I will honor your request, and make a donation in your name. I love my country, and it makes me sad to see what has happened also! God Bless you on your next assignment. You have served your country with honor and grace. Jesse Cruz, MM3 USN 1961-65
Cindy Huff
September 30, 2010
A friend forwarded to me Colonel Groves obituary from the internet. It touched my heart deeply. Though total strangers we both share a love for our country and our freedom. I am in hopes to meet such a passionate man one day. It's clear he was an honorable patriot and a proud American. I will honor his wish in 2012. God Bless America and the Groves family.
Joyce & Frank Hodges
September 29, 2010
Dear Groves family,
We did not know Colonel Groves however we share his love of country, animals and golf. We received his obituary from a relative and were so touched by it.
God bless you all and we will be helping to fulfill his wishes in 2012!
September 29, 2010
My condolences to the family and friends of Harold Groves. I did not know him, but wanted to say thanks for serving our country and protecting our freedom. His obituary is being forwarded all over the internet and I'll certainly be doing my part to make him proud in 2012!
Mike G.
Sioux City, IA
September 27, 2010
Don't know you, but will one day. Thanks for protecting and caring for two of the things most of us hold dear-our freedom and our "best friends" the animals. I'll make that political contribution with you in mind. God Bless your family. Lynn Justice, Kentucky
Greg Cameron
September 27, 2010
God Bless Colonel Grove. Thank you for your dedication and service to our country. I did not know you or your family but appreciate my freedom and love my country. So, thank you for defending the USA. I hope we honor your memory again by granting you a new president in 2012. My sympathy to the Groves Family.
Linda` Gleason
September 26, 2010
My sympathy to Colonel Grove's family and friends. I didn't know him but knew many A.F. men in Vietnam. My kind of person, an animal lover. Animals are God's best work next to men such as the Colonel. Linda Gleason, NV
Judy York
September 26, 2010
A friend of mine sent me your beloved Colonel Groves obituary. I did not know him, however he was cleary a very honorable man and one that left his mark on our great country. To say that his wishes will be honored goes without saying & we can only hope that Americans will make him proud in 2012.
September 26, 2010
To the family of Colonel Groves, all of our sympathy and condolences during this time of mourning. I shall donate as much as possible to those running against our Socialist-like President. All the best, David E. Meadows, Capt-USN retired.
Elaine Triplett
September 25, 2010
What a honorable man! I am thankful that he was a fellow patriot. I will honor his last wishes and donate to my animal shelter and to an opponent of Obama in 2012. Elaine Triplett Palestine, TX
Mary Heilman
September 24, 2010
My sympathies are with you all. And I TOO will honor his last wishes. That is quite the classic obit and it also raised a smile on my face. God Bless!
Leslie Barth
September 24, 2010
Obviously it is a wonderful testament to this great patriot and his family that so many people that never even met him are posting comments.
I too, echo the sentiment that I WISH I could have met him and given him a hug around the neck. A hug to thank him for his service to this country, his allegiance and love of his doggies and those less fortunate that don't have homes, and for apparently being a helluva fun guy.
I'm sorry his meaninful life was cut short and know his family and dogs will miss him greatly. I know they are proud to have called him their own and will treasure the special memories of him.
What a unique, stong man to stay so true to his convictions...to the end. When I cast my ballot in 2012 I shall do so proudly in remembrance of Colonel Groves. This hero "had me at goodbye".
God's peace, Leslie Barth
Florence, SC
Sharry Lenkowski
September 24, 2010
You must be very proud of Mr. Groves
September 23, 2010
Dear Groves Family, I am sorry to have never met this war hero and true blooded American. "River Rats" are special men. The world is a safer and better place because of Harold and his actions. Travis Acheson 124th Fighter Squadron Des Moines, IA
Chuck Ahrens
September 23, 2010
Dear Groves Family,
My condolences for your loss. I will honor both requests, donating to my local animal shelter and whoever is running against Obama in 2012.
Charles c Ahrens
Summit Hill, PA
Archie Spivey
September 23, 2010
A tip o' the hat and a salute to a true patriot. More than willing to honor Harold's last wish. Anyone but BHO in 2012. God Bless and Happy Trails Mr. Groves
CH Kassens
September 22, 2010
I didn't know Harold Groves but admire his great spirit and his views.
Courtney Hanahan
September 22, 2010
I am very sorry to not have met this true patriot. I am very happy to honor his last wishes in 2010. War Eagle!
Kelly
September 22, 2010
I am one of Harold's daughters from his first marriage.. and although we never kept in touch, I am very saddened by his death.
We saw each other once at my sister's wedding, about 20 years ago, and I met Ginny at this time. She was very sweet and welcomed me into their home. My deepest sympathies to you Ginny.
September 22, 2010
Hal must have been a great guy. I'm sorry we never knew him! My husband and I went to Auburn and my husband was also an f-4 fighter pilot in Vietnam....hats off to a patriot who truly loved his country and cared about the future. (McLean, VA)
Paul Flowers
September 21, 2010
A true patroit. I will honor your last wishes in 2012.
September 21, 2010
War Eagle Harold !!! Well done!! It will be an honor to remember you when I pull the leaver in 2012. Ryder, Auburn 1960
Rosemarie Russcher
September 21, 2010
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Groves family. Harold was obviously a sweetheart of a man and a true patriot. I will be more than happy to honor his last wishes when the 2012 election rolls around.
Carole B
September 20, 2010
My sympathy to the Groves family. I did not know Harold Groves, but salute his service and respect him and his family after reading his obit. Yes, I will honor his last wishes in 2012.
Chuck Knight
September 20, 2010
As a vietnam veteran and 10 year service in the Marine Corps I salute you sir. May God guide your final flight and may God bring blessings to your family. It is with great honor that I follow your last wishes.
A Friend
September 20, 2010
My sympathy goes out to Mr. Groves family. I know he will be missed by all you knew him,and all of us who did not know him appreciate him for what he has done for this great country of ours. And yes sir, we will honor your wishes!
Carlton Fidler
September 20, 2010
Thank you for your service. I will definitely honor your request in 2012.
Steven Auslander
September 19, 2010
Reading the obit and the suggestion that donations be made to the candidate opposing Barack Obama in 2012 made me proud and made me smile. Best regards to the Colonel's family.
Wayne Walusiak
September 19, 2010
God Bless you for your service!
I will definitely honor your request to donate against anyone who voted for Obama.
September 19, 2010
God bless you sir. I'm a Vietnam veteran and a patriot like you sir. We need more men like you. I've met a few in my travels. I appreciate you. God bless you and all your loved ones.(Robert Soto, Aviation Contractor).
September 19, 2010
Thank you for your lifelong service
Mickey Heptinstall
September 18, 2010
Col, Groves, I wish I would have known you. I would love to thank you for all you have done for this great country and the people that live here. People like is what this place needs. There is a speical place for you by God . My deepest sympathy to you family. They will be in my prayers.
M.K. Foco
September 17, 2010
I never knew you Hal--I do thank you for your service to our country. It's because of people like you that we live so freely. My deepest sympathy to Hal's Family. May the memories you have of Hal give you peace and help you endure the days ahead. And we'll honor your final wishes.
Anthony Upchurch
September 17, 2010
I didn't know you Mr. Groves, but I thank you for your service to this great country of ours! It's men like you that we owe a debt of gratitude to that can't be repaid. Amen on the "in leau of flowers" part as well !
September 17, 2010
God Bless you Harold.A TRUE AMERICAN HERO,and yes I will donate to anyone running against Obama in 2012.
Shawn,Mary & Haley O'Connell
Rachael Hughes
September 17, 2010
Col. Groves - I would like to thank you for your great service to our Country, to my family and the citizens of the United States. I did not know you personally, but I believe in my heart that you were a man of integrity, honor, bravery, and faith. It is my honor to contribute to the Humane Society in Ann Arbor MI in your name. My sincerest condolences to your family on what must be an incredible loss for them. Thank you Sir.
Gail Herdel
September 17, 2010
Thank you Col. Groves for your service to my country. Men like you have fought so that I may enjoy the freedom that others are denied. My condolences to your family and pets.
D.L. Ray
September 16, 2010
I respectfully salute my fellow airman and Daedalian. Godspeed on your final flight sir. Since we know there "are no fighter pilots down in hell" I hope to join you where you are when my turn comes.
My most sincere sympathy to your family and friends
Curtis Harvey
September 16, 2010
Condolences to the family from a fellow veteran Vietnam era pilot. Mr Groves sounds like someone I would have loved to know. I thank him for his service to our country.
Julie Wilkinson
September 15, 2010
My condolences to the surviving family members of Col. Harold L. Groves, USAF Ret. Although I did not know this gentleman, it is clear that he is someone that the world should miss! I admire his accomplishments and am sure that I would have loved to know him. Please know that I will gladly do my part with a donation (in lieu of flowers) as he is still striving to serve (and protect) our country via his last wishes. May he truly rest in peace. God Bless Col. Groves.
joe testa
September 14, 2010
Mr. Groves, Hal, Dear fellow veteran, you are a great American. Even from the grave you continue to show how much you care for our great country. God bless you.
John McDonald
September 14, 2010
I to want to say farwell to a fellow Veteran.
I am also a Texan and Vietnam Veteran.I didn't know Harold but I would have liked himI know.I to will honor his memory in Nov.
Rest in Peace Harold.John McDonald
Air Force Institute of Technology
September 13, 2010
The faculty, staff, and alumni of the Air Force Institute of Technology send the family our deepest condolences. There is no doubt that Mr. Groves made exceptional contributions to our nation. We are proud to call him an AFIT Alum!
Ronald Donakowski
September 13, 2010
My condolences to the family of a great man and pilot.
God Bless Him!
Another VietNam pilot,
Ronald Donakowski
Kerry Early
September 13, 2010
Thank you for your dedication and service to this great nation. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to honor your last wishes. Rest in peace Harold and to the family my sympathy. Godspeed.
Suzanne Oliver
September 13, 2010
My condolences to Hal's family, esp. to Ginny and the pets. Ken Oliver and I knew Hal for many many many years. Ken flew F-105's, he was a Ryan's Raider (River Rat) in 1967 at Korat and also a proud Daedalian. When Hal would fly to Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, we often went out to dinner. Hal was a great guy, a lot of fun and I thank him for his dedicated service to our country. Ken would have been happy to carry out Hal's last wishes. However, he died in June 2008; his ashes are interred at the AF Academy. I will carry out those wishes by continuing to volunteer on the board of my local animal shelter. AND you can bet I will be voting for his candidate.
jack larwa
September 13, 2010
So sorry for loss of a great flyer , anyone that could fly the red river had to be a brave man.. this nation needs more folks like Hal . Again sorry for your loss ...
Janet K
September 13, 2010
My heart goes out to your family, but as I read these entries, I feel the love and support for you all from all of us that have never met any of you. Your husband was an exceptional man in life and in his passing and I for one will honor his wishes in November with him on my mind when I cast my vote. He left you all with much love and support.
Rick Havard
September 13, 2010
To the American Groves family: THANK YOU for supporting Mr. Harold while he put it on the line for me. I did not know him, nor you, but will honor him and others like him and you at every opportunity. May God grant you great grace and peace for the journey.
Bill Watkin
September 13, 2010
Patriot even in death, thank you for your service and wisdom.
Charlotte Neff
September 13, 2010
Dear Groves Family,
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your husband and father. Like many who have signed his guestbook, I did not know Harold. In fact, we are clear across the state from each other. But I just had to join many others in expressing my thanks for his patriotism and service to our nation. I also salute his political donations view! Way to go Harold!
Your Harold must have been a diamond and he’s obviously shining brightly now! I know that you are going to miss him. May he be in heaven cheering his new fan club! Bet you never could have guessed the outcome!
If I could, I'd be in Arlington, VA on December 9th, paying a personal last farewell as he is laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery! May Harold rest in peace. He has certainly left a powerful memory behind! May your family be blessed.
Charles Price
September 12, 2010
My sincere condolences to the family of a fellow Daedalian and F-4 Rat. Thank you Colonel for your service, and for your sense of perspective.
Ted and Elizabeth Riggs
September 12, 2010
Dear Mrs. Groves and family,
I never met Mr. Groves, but my husband and I wish to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences. Thank you, sir, for your service to our country. And, rest assured, we WILL be sending substantial support to whoever runs against Obama in 2012.
Stu Sims
September 12, 2010
My condolences to the family and friends. Thank you for your service to our great country. Rest in peace my brother in arms. From a quiet Air Foce Viet Nam Vet
September 11, 2010
As a Gold Star Wife.....and the widow of a 22 yr. US Navy veteran, I am greatly honored to fulfil one of your last wishes, in 2012, and By God's grace he will not be there that long. Thank you for your service to our country. My sincere condolences to your family.
Winnie Witt, Prosperity, SC
1966-67 DMZ, Nam
September 11, 2010
As a Viet Nam Veteran with the USMC, I do know you but have never met you or heard mention of your name ! You are "My Brother" and always will be, then, now, and forever. For you Sir, have been felled by "The last bullet of the last battle of the last war" You may now rest in the peace and the Glory of God's warriors. Woody (Harrisburg, Pa.)
Pamela Miller
September 10, 2010
Condolences to the family and so much gratitude for the sacrifices of Mr. Groves and his family. I can't think of a more fitting memorial for a true patriot! Consider it a done deal on my part!
Nick Boodris
September 9, 2010
From a former Vietnam Vet, thank you Col for your service to our country and may you rest in peace.
J.W. Allen
September 9, 2010
I wish I had had the privilege of knowing Colonel Groves. I have made a life of loving military men and women since I was a youngster, playing at the VA while waiting for my father to get off work. Col. Groves is the type man I always adored. The men and women at the VA became my heroes for their dedication to our country. I will do proud by Col. Groves, I will respect my new Hero's wishes. Godspeed. Your country loves you.
Dave Kirsten
September 9, 2010
Thank you sir for your distinguished record of service. Every American admires you for the sacrifices you made for your country. We owe you a lifetime debt of gratitude. God's speed
tammy davidson
September 9, 2010
I dont know you but i received an email with the obit and really enjoyed it all, did alot for the Country and the ending of the obit was GREAT. Sorry to the Family for your Loss
Gordon White
September 9, 2010
Godspeed Col. Groves, we will gladly honor your last request!
September 9, 2010
I never knew Col. Groves, but I am an animal lover and an avid golfer. Obama is far from my favorite person. I wish we'd met. Harold would have been a great friend. I am an old Navy flyboy. We DO know how to live, don't we? Much peace, dear friend. I'll remember you.
John Swinglish, USN 1964,
Washington, DC
September 7, 2010
We did not know Mr. Groves but are sure we would have loved him. We are thankful for his service to our country. Even now, he is fighting for us. Our donation will be made in his name to the appropriate canidate. May God's best blessings be yours. Bob and Martha
Don Proctor
September 6, 2010
From a former Navy Pilot: May you be Blessed with beautiful fairways, no sandpits and hole in one on every Green.
My Deepest Sympathy,
Navy Commander Don Proctor (Retired)
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Barbara Fussell
September 5, 2010
Like others, I never knew Mr. Groves but I have been impressed by his love of life and what a positive difference he made in life and now in his death - I truly commend him/his family for his choice of memorial contributions! An insightful, bold suggestion! and may I add ... War Eagle! My condolences to the family.
Elaine Taylor
September 5, 2010
My condolences, Sir, to your family the two-legged and four-legged ones. Thank you for your service to our country and for sticking to your beliefs even after you are gone. Though I never knew you I salute you and what you stand for.
Dave Churchman
September 3, 2010
I remember Hal well from his days at Boeing. He was a highly respected and technically innovative man. Hal was a "get it done" kind of guy.
Cyndi Allen
September 3, 2010
I never knew or even heard of Mr. Groves, but I enjoyed reading his obituary, and I say that respectfully. My father passed away two years ago and I had to write his and it read like a Who's Who. This one was so tactfully written yet with the perfect amount of humor and character that I feel like I may have known him and what's more .... I read the entire article, which was a first for me. Loved the golfing references and where to make donations ~ perfect!!
My condolences to the family. Sounds like Mr. Groves was a real personality that was dearly loved and will be missed.
t s
September 2, 2010
Thank you, sir, for your service to our country. My sympathies to your loved ones.
Sarah Gore
August 31, 2010
I had to call my mother when I read Col. Groves' obituary in the Sun News. I never met him, but like my father, he was a River Rat, Daedalian, and avid golfer. He had to be a really great guy! We are both terribly sorry for your loss. You can bet my father would have been glad to make that second mentioned donation. If you see a former fighter pilot throw a nickel on the grass after the burial, ask him what it means...
August 30, 2010
Hal, We,ll miss you playing golf and I know you are in a better system now than you were down here. Smile down on us when and if we ever make another Birdie.We will miss you my friend.....Jim Rippy Myrtle Beach
August 30, 2010
Ginny & family,we will sadly miss seeing Hal , not only as a neighbor, but as a golfing Buddy. We appreciate all he did for us as Mayor of Briarcliffe Acres, trying to resolve some of the issues we faced as a community.The scriptures from eccleslastes Chapter three (3) bring solace to us as we think of Hal's passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time,
Alan ,Sylvia and Friday Stadler
Berniece Dunnagan
August 29, 2010
Ginny, you have my deepest sympathy.
I hope Hal knew how much we appreciated his serving our town as mayor several years back. He was very much admired and trusted.
Lawrence Groves
Lawrence Groves
August 28, 2010
Hal was my father , Laverne's, younger brother and my uncle. My last memory of Hal was back in 1999 . At that time Hal had the huge RV and was traveling around the country with Ginny and hte dogs On one trip Hal picked up my father in Texas on his way west from Myrtle Beach and dropped him off in Albuquerque, NM where I was living and working.
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