R.L. Groves, Jr.

Funeral services for R.L. Groves, Jr., 90, of Chico, Texas, will be held at 2 pm Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the First Baptist Church of Chico; interment will follow in Chico Cemetery. Pastor Ronnie Lawson will officiate. A visitation will be held from 6-8 pm Wednesday, October 16, at Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.

Pallbearers will include Chris Davis, Roger Lafever, Matt Mitchell, Jackson Mitchell, Josh Groves, and Dace Grooms; Honorary Pallbearers Tom Dunn, Larry Mader, and Larry Flowers.

Born in Bridgeport, Texas, on July 21, 1934, to Raymond Leroy, Sr. and Elsie (Martin) Groves, R.L. attended Bridgeport ISD and soon after met the love of his life, Gussie Grooms. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married in Oklahoma on May 22, 1955, and remained steadfast for the next 69 years, until R.L.’s passing.

 Their marriage produced three children, including sons Glenn and Larry, and daughter Karen, all of whom meant the world to R.L. He also cherished his role as a loving grandfather to nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

 R.L. had a soft spot for his furry friend, Bullet, and treated him like a valued member of the family. You could often find them both sitting in the workshop listening to Bluegrass music.

 R.L. was a longtime, active member of the First Baptist Church of Chico, where he served his Lord and church family. He also performed as a director on the board of West Wise Special Utility District and, after 33 years of loyal service to Bell Helicopter, was a proud, passionate member of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union.

 R.L. was well known for his abilities as a craftsman and could manufacture any needed part, repair anything presented to him or give needed advice when asked. He was not known, however, to buy something new if the old components could be repaired.

 R.L. was preceded in death by his parents, brother Winford, son Larry, and grandson Donnie.

 He is survived by wife Gussie, son Glenn and wife Tammy Groves, daughter Karen Groves, daughter-in-law Donna Groves, nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his constant four-legged companion Bullet.

© (Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home)

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