Barney Groves
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Barney Randolph Groves, 75, of Howardsville, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Tuesday, October 9, 2012. Barney was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on November 6, 1936.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy; son, Greg and his wife, Pat, of Macon, Georgia; daughter, Galatea of New Kent, and their mother, Patsy Groves; grandchildren, Jessica and husband, Marvin Chapman, Cara and husband, Jason Youmans, and Thomas Groves, Randy Douglas and his fiance, Millie Thomas, David Douglas and his fiance, Diana Willson, and Timmy Douglas; three great- grandchildren; sister, Freda Holmes from Largo, Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Barney received his undergraduate degree in Physical Education from Southeastern State University, his master's degree in Health and Physical Education from Oklahoma University, and his PHD in Physical Education from Florida State University. He was a Professor of Physical Education at Eastern Kentucky University from 1964 until 1970, then joined the staff of Virginia Commonwealth University as Professor of Physical Education from 1970 until 2002. He co-authored the book Weight Lifting - Steps to Success and authored the book Powerlifting. One of his proudest accomplishments was setting state and national records in power lifting in the 60 and over age group. He was a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, a Certified Financial Planner, pilot, Real Estate agent, farmer, and a woodworker. He served as a leader in his professional organization, Virginia Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance and in his community being elected to the New Kent Board of Supervisors. Before college, Barney enlisted in the United States Air Force. After college, he joined the United States Army Reserves and was the executive officer of the 56th Station Hospital from 1980 until 1985. He went on active duty to establish a cardiovascular screening unit from 1985 until 1987. He retired from the reserves with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He most recently received his 50 year pin from the Mann Page Masonic Lodge No. 157 in Providence Forge, Virginia.
A memorial service will take place 2 p.m. Saturday, October 13, 2012, at Hopewell Baptist Church on Hopewell Road in New Kent County.
In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Hospice of the Piedmont in Charlottesville, Virginia, or your local SPCA.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
