Wavley Groves Sr.

Wavley Groves Sr. CHESAPEAKE - Wavley M. "Whitey" Groves Sr., 91, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009. He was born and raised in Lamberts Point, Norfolk, and was the son of the late Jonathan M. Groves and Camilla Virginia Winn. He was the beloved husband of the late Edith Groves. Whitey is survived by four children, Arlene Rossiter and husband Tommy of Troutville, Va., April McRae and husband Randy of Virginia Beach, Mark Groves and his wife Linda of Brandon, Fla., and Beverly Kane and husband Paul of Virginia Beach; a brother, Edward Groves of Oklahoma; nine grandchildren; eight great- grandchildren; also a host of loved nieces and nephews. Whitey proudly served in the Civilian Conservation Corps (1937-1939) and helped build Big Meadows Campground in the Shenandoah National Park. He was also a disabled veteran of World War II having served in the Solomon Islands as a decorated Seabee. He was retired from Humble Oil Company. Whitey loved children and also served proudly as a Boy Scout Master of Troops 413 and 824. For many years, he was also known and loved as Santa Claus to the neighborhood children as he visited on Christmas Eve. Whitey loved life and especially enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, camping, and playing a good game of golf. He loved Big Meadows and in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Byrd Center in Shenandoah National Park. A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Indian River Chapel. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.