Michael Hampton Groover

Michael Hampton Groover, M.D., age 60, died in his sleep Saturday, May 24 in Fleming Island, Florida.
Hampton was born in Americus, Georgia July 8, 1964. He grew up in Thomasville, the second of four children born to Mike and Diana Hatten Groover. Hampton graduated from the University of Georgia in 1986. It was there that he met Susan Varner who would become his wife of almost 38 years. He completed his studies at Medical College of Georgia in Augusta in 1990, where he and Susan began their family. Together they had six children, five of whom reached adulthood.
Hampton was Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. He trained at Georgia Baptist in Internal Medicine and later specialized in geriatric and palliative care. Hampton practiced at Atlanta Medical Center and Peachtree Christian Hospice, St. Mary's Hospital in Athens, among other locations. He and Susan relocated to Northeast Florida two years ago, where he served as Chief Medical Officer for Haven Hospice. Residents under his tutelage remarked upon the brilliance and excellence of his teaching. Colleagues attested to the caliber of his work.
Hampton took great delight in cooking with and for his family and friends: smoking meat and "doctoring" the perfect gumbo. He enjoyed a good cigar, a fine scotch, a full house, a good conversation, getting to the roots of a subject and then teaching others.
Hampton was preceded in death by his daughter Emma Jayne who died in 1999 and his father Michael G. Groover. Hampton is survived by his wife Susan, his sons Aubrey, Malachi (Dena), Jacob (Yang), Solomon Ethan, and his daughter Ellie (Josh), grandchildren, Charlie and Violet, his mother, Diana Hatten Smith (Robert), sisters Virginia Groover and Alice Hickox (Alec) and brother Wade (Shannon), and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Hampton will be remembered for his honor and integrity. He was a man of God who wanted above all else for his children to know God and to walk in His ways.
His celebration of life will be held Saturday May 31 at Futures Church Gwinnett in Duluth at 11:00 AM with Pastor Nick Hindle officiating. The family will receive guests Saturday, May 31 at Bill Head Funeral Home of Duluth, Georgia from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Interment will be held at Bold Spring Church of Carnesville, Georgia Monday June 2, where Hampton's remains will be laid to rest alongside his daughter, Emma.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Bold Spring Church Cemetery Fund, 331 Bold Springs Church Rd, Carnesville, GA, 30521.