David Hale Groark

Col. David Hale Groark, USAF (Ret.), 89, of Rockwall, Texas, was born January 31, 1936, in Boston, Massachusetts. David was the son of Edward Hale Groark and Anne Boyles Groark. He attended Penn State University for a year before earning an appointment to the very first class of the United States Air Force Academy, where he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. His true calling, however, was found in the skies.

David served his country with honor and distinction, entering active duty in 1959 and continuing in the Air Force Reserve until his retirement in 2001. He was stationed at Edwards AFB, Itazuki AFB, George AFB, and Eglin AFB. A decorated fighter pilot, he completed three tours in Vietnam, served as a test pilot for fighter jets, underwent astronaut training and certification, and later became the Chief Safety and Quality Officer for the flight program at Eglin. Over the course of his career, he received numerous awards and honors, most memorably being recognized as the World's Greatest Fighter Pilot (WGFP).

David and his first wife, Margaretta Bisson Groark, shared a love of adventure. Together they traveled the globe, flew as active members of the Confederate Air Force with their T-6 airplane, and even competed in the inaugural season of the TV show The Amazing Race. After Margaretta's passing, David found companionship and love again with his wife, Joetta Wells Groark. Together, they shared passions for history, especially World War II and the Civil War, travel, and many lively poker games.

Left to remember David with love are his wife, Joetta; his children, Michele, Laura, Lisa, and Michael, along with their spouses; and his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Margaretta.

David was a man of great character, unwavering integrity, and fierce determination. He lived life on his own terms and faced his final journey the same way.

It is with sadness, but great respect, that his family acknowledges that on August 13, 2025, he decided it was time to cheerfully note: Off we go, into the wild blue yonder, climbing high, into the sun.