Walter Cornelius Groves Jr.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Billy Groves and Mother in law Marie Kornegay.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Groves (“punkin”) of the home; sons: Kevin Groves and wife Shelly of Wilmington, NC and Keith Groves and wife Jennifer of Rocky Point, NC; five grandchildren: Kayli (Matt), Audrey, Wyatt, Andy and Shelby; two great-grandchildren: Lincoln and Maverick, two brothers: David Groves and Stevie Groves and wife Joanna, Sister in laws: Violet Tapia (Jorge), JoAnn Underhill (John), and Glenda Groves Smith (Jerry), Father in Law, Justin Kornegay, special aunt Belle Brown and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

W.C. received an honorable discharge from the Navy in 1968 after serving his country aboard the U.S.S. Elokomin. After serving, he was an industrial supply salesman until he retired in 2023. He loved to hunt and fish and was a jack of all trades. He loved his farm, his tractors, and riding around on his lawnmower. He loved his home on Pages Creek and caught many fish off his dock and boat, always trying to out fish “punkin.” His favorite thing to do was spending time with his family. He loved his grandkids and always had a tape measure in his pocket for them to play with. He loved his “punkin” with all of his heart.

He was a member of Anchor Baptist Church and served faithfully. The most important decision that he ever made was when he accepted Jesus at 14 years of age. Because of that, we know that his eternal home is in heaven and we will get to see him again.

Pallbearers will be Stevie Groves, David Groves, Andy Groves, Wyatt Groves, Keith Groves and Kevin Groves.

Honorary Pallbearers are Bill Groves, Tony Fales, Jon “Mo” Knoll, Donald Hatcher, Reggie McKoy, Jorge Tapia, and John Underhill

A Visitation will be held from 1pm until 2pm on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Coble Funeral Chapel, 1155 Shipyard Boulevard, Wilmington, NC. The Funeral Service will follow at 2pm with Rev. Rudy Shepherd, Rev. Billy Batten and Rev. Kevin Groves officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.