HD “Doc” Groves, Jr. passed from this life on to his eternal home December 14, 2018 in Carrollton TX. Doc was born February 8, 1934 in Dike, TX. He was the second born to Harrington Dee Groves and Mae (McGuffin) Groves. His sister was Ursula Mae Groves.
Growing up in Sulphur Springs, TX as a young child he enjoyed playing all sports. Doc graduated Sulphur Springs High School in 1952 and received a Golf Scholarship to attend college. He was active in the First Baptist Church, Boy Scouts, FFA and JR ROTC. He attended East Texas State in Commerce, and North Texas State University, Denton. As a member of the Push Club, Doc helped launch the popular dance style known as ‘The North Texas Push’.
In 1952, Doc entered the army during the Korean War serving in a USAR Artillery unit, Operations Intelligence Specialist, and earned a National Defense Service Medal.
In the 60’s, Doc began his 30 year career in the floorcovering industry at General Felt Products. He eventually led the sales organization for Brinkman, the largest floorcovering distributor in the world. A true entrepreneur at heart, Doc opened Groves Carpet Distributors, his own distributorship, and several retail flooring stores, as well as a sporting goods store. Doc also started a flooring industry consulting practice.
Sports followed him during his lifetime. He loved bass fishing, was an avid tennis player having his own court, and skied the Rockies, New Zealand and Austria. Doc enjoyed variety in his life. He always loved to dance. He loved nothing more than being outdoors enjoying nature and animals.
Doc was a loyal and loving husband. He demonstrated complete commitment and joy as a doting and proud father and Papa. He was the epitome of the saying ‘never met a stranger’. He made friends everywhere he went and in all walks of his life. Doc was adventurous and had a curiosity that allowed him to enjoy life to the absolute fullest. He enjoyed drinking a chocolate malt as much as a trip around the world. Doc could tell a story about either experience in a way that had everyone else feeling like they had the same fabulous experience. His stories were positive; he wasn’t one to waste time complaining except occasionally to say, “I’m constantly fighting Alligators”. Doc loved to travel and visited many countries around the world. He was quietly caring and empathetic, always a fan of the underdog and a champion for those who were less outgoing. He was straight forward and always genuine. He believed “Life’s too short” and chose his actions and spent time accordingly. Doc was fair treating everyone equally and judged each individually. He was incredibly independent and didn’t like having to depend on others. He liked to do things his way. Doc was a true friend on whom others could depend completely. He loved and laughed often. He was a truly happy person.
He has one daughter, Rachel Harner and one step-daughter, Kathleen Myers, from his first marriage. In 1992 he married Sherry (Spotts) adding four more step children.
Doc was preceded in death by his parents, Doc and Mae Groves and his sister Ursula Mae Groves. He is survived by his wife Sherry Groves of Plano, TX; daughter Rachel (Stephen) Groves Harner of Frisco, TX; grandson Zakariah Harner of Frisco, TX; Step grandsons Jason (Sara) Harner of Dallas, TX; Alex (Kanija) Harner of Parker, CO; his step daughter Kathleen Myers of Hilo, HI. His step children (Sherry) Ken (Beverly) Elliott of McKinney, TX; Daniel Elliott of Atoka, OK; Leeann (Dustin) Reichert of, Atoka OK; Cherise (Rick) Smith of Kilgore TX and his step grandchildren Terran Reichert, Lexi Reichert, Caleb Archer, Cameron Archer, and Eli Elliott.
Doc was loved while he was with us here on earth and we will continue to love him through time and all eternity. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Memorial Service will be held at 2 pm on December 29th at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1912 Hedgecoxe, Rd, Plano, TX 75025. Ph. 972.517.2865.
Immediately following the memorial service, family and friends are welcome at the Harner’s home in Frisco, where we will be joyfully sharing our memories of Doc.
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