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Celebrating the life of
Robert Walker Groves, III
May 09, 1949 - August 14, 2024
Robert Walker Groves III, affectionately known as “Bobby” to his family and friends, died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.
Bobby was born in Savannah on May 9, 1949 to Robert and Cornelia Groves. He was a graduate of Blue Ridge School in Saint George, Virginia and the University of Georgia and served in the Georgia Air National Guard.
He is survived by his wife Anne; sister, Susan Groves Stevens of Yonges Island, S.C.; a son William Scott Rankin Groves (Amanda) of Savannah; daughter, Suzanne Groves Hoffman (Rob) of Ann Arbor, Michigan; nephews, William Johnson Stevens III (Dillard) of Charleston, S.C., and Robert Walker Groves Stevens (Laura) of Yonges Island, S.C.; six grandchildren – Walker, Baker and Scott Groves, John, Matthew and Anna Hoffman and grandnephews and nieces.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
A graveside service will be held in Bonaventure Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 19, 2024. The service will be conducted by The Reverend Dr. Craig Stephans of Christ Church Anglican.
Bobby grew up on Atlantic Avenue in Savannah, where his home was the vibrant center of neighborhood activities. Whether it was baseball, football or soccer Bobby’s enthusiasm for sports was infectious, and his home was the gathering place where teams were formed, and friendships blossomed. Bobby’s love for the outdoors was nurtured during his childhood summers at Camp Seagull in Newbern, N.C. and his time on the Vernon River at Beaulieu. Bobby loved the river, sailing and fishing and cherished the time he spent with his dear friends on boats. He also had a talent for building and fixing boats and took great pride in all his projects from sports fishing boats to restoring his grandfather’s Rangeley rowboat.
A proud Scotsman, Bobby had a deep interest in his family heritage and Scottish ancestry from a young age. He attended the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games from the age of six and went on to serve as a board member for many years. He recently received the Agnes MacRae Morton Award for his outstanding commitment to those games. His desire to preserve Sottish heritage and interest in genealogy and history drove him to join several organizations. He made invaluable contributions to the St. Andrew’s Society of Savannah where he served as President, and the Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Georgia where he held roles as Governor and Deputy Governor General. He was also an active member of The Society of Cincinnati and many other heritage societies, continuing a long line of leadership within his family.
Within Savannah, Bobby was involved with the Sailing Center, 1996 Olympic Yachting and coaching of youth sports. He also played a vital role in the founding of The Savannah Bank as one of the organizers and later serving as a director of the bank.
He followed in his grandfather’s footsteps becoming the 3rd generation involved with Strachan Shipping Company. He enjoyed the shipping industry and worked with the company until it closed.
Bobby’s love for deep-sea fishing, the outdoors, and spending time with friends and family was a defining aspect of his life. He was a caring friend who would go out of his way to help anyone. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will live on in the hearts and memories of those he touched throughout his remarkable life.
The family is grateful for the loving care given by Betty Frazier and Faith Dunbar.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Christ Church Anglican, 2020 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401, Grandfather Mountain Highland Games Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 1095, Linville, NC 28646-109 or Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club, 510 E Charlton St. Savannah, GA 31401.
Bobby was a friend and someone I looked up to as a leader in Savannah. I will miss his sense of humor and generous personality. My thoughts are with the family at this time.
- Mills Morrison, SAVANNAH, GA
Our deepest condolences for this Loss. We will miss Bobby very much, he was a wonderful man and a good friend for man years.
- R. Will & Sonia Newman, Lilburn, Georgia
Bobby will be remembered by me as a long time friend and faithful carrier of leadership for the St Andrews Society, as were his forebears. He will be missed by many and my heart and prayers go out to the family and friends.
- George (Scott) Backus, Savannah, GA
Bobby has been a lifelong friend since first grade. Our families were friends for many generations. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time. John and Patty Demere
- john Demere, Savannah, Georgia
Bobby was such a great guy. When I coached his daughter in soccer, he was always such a great supporter and was always there if needed. He also loved his family and no matter how busy he was he was always at his daughter games. Our thoughts and prayers to the family.
- Randy & Beth Davis, Savannah , Georgia
Bobby had known and worked with my father at Strachan Shipping for many years. I had known Bobby over a great part of that time and continued over many years afterwards. I considered Bobby to be a good friend and looked forward to seeing him at the annual St Andrews dinners. I shall miss him and my sincere condolences go to his family.
- Ed Burns, Summerville , SC
Bobby was always gracious and kind to me . I will miss him. Anne, my prayers and thoughts are with you.
- JD Forrester, Buford, GA
Thoughts and prayers to all Bobby's family in this time of loss. Light perpetual!
- Duncan M Pindar, Savannah, GA
Bobby will be missed by many of the persons whom he befriended. He devoted his time, energy and resources to the causes and people he loved. I will forever remember his gentle laugh and strong will to bring people together for a greater good.
- Pearce W Reeve, Savannah, Georgia
I had the privilege knowing Bobby for over 20 years as a fellow member of Saint Andrews Society and other genealogical organizations. It was a pleasure to know him, and he was thought of very highly
- Jack Eades MD, Savannah , Ga
We were blessed by his friendship
- Scott and Betsy Cann Akers, Atlanta, GA
Ian and Ella send our condolences for this sad loss
- Ian Macpherson, Point Clear, Al
Our condolences to the Groves family. Bobby was one of a kind.
- William Olmstead, Savannah , GA
Bobby and I grew up across the street from each other at Atlantic and 46th, and spent quality time in each other's homes. He was a Savannah original and a credit to his community. Bobby will be missed but fondly remembered by all who were fortunate to know him.
- BH Levy Jr, Savannah, GA
Bobby was a good friend to all and a faithful member in many genealogical societies that we shared. He will be greatly missed but always remembered.
- Bobby Thomas, Indian Springs Village, Alabama
Bobby was my 4 yr. classmate at Blue Ridge School in St. George, Va. My wife , Diane & I will miss him dearly. Our thoughts , prayers & condolences are with Anne & the rest of his family
- D.A. & Diane Potter, Millsboro , De.
My deepest sympathy on your loss. I remember many weekend boat trips to Wassaw with Bobby and Lem. One of them always having a crisis of some kind with one of the boats. My prayers are with all of you as you go through this difficult time.
- Anna B Highsmith, Savannah, GA
My deepest condolences to all the family. Bobby was always known as a “hail fellow,well met.”I have fond memories of times spent on his boat and socializing with be beloved friends and family. Our paths crossed many times - at Blue Ridge School, St. Andrew’s Society and the Scottish games. He will be missed greatly.
- Chris Mason, Hendersonville, North Carolina
We shall all miss him terribly at Grandfather. We have loved your family for three generatons now, and have no words to adquately express our sorrow. Righton, Brown, James, Andrea,Garnett and Sarah.
- McCallum, Columbia, SC
Dear Ann, What a blessed life Bobby had and shared with his beloved family and friends. He will always be remembered with a smile. Our prayers are with you through this great loss to all who loved him.
- Barbara and Bubba Victor, Savannah, Georgia
Prayers for comfort
- Richard Abbott, Midway , Ga
I grew up on 46th street a half block from Bobby's home. I was among the many kids in the neighborhood who played football typically on Sunday afternoons and kick the can Friday or Saturday evenings with him in the Chatham Crescent parks. Among the kids were the children of Mayor Malcom McClain and those who worked at the Savannah Sugar Refinery. Bobby was an aggressive young footballer, 2 years older than me. I often got out of his way. But he was a good guy and fondly remembered.
- Robin Sherman, Savannah, GA
Bobby lived around the corner on Atlantic Avenue. Part of the 45th and 44th Street gang. He was older than I, but always found time to allow me to visit with him. He would show me his great collection of army soldiers. Everything Bobby did was big and loud and wonderful. I will think of him often as I still do his father and mother.
- John Maclean, Savannah, GA
As a fellow student with Bobby at the Blue Ridge School, I can state without any hesitancy that he was a great classmate ... diligent, dependable, and a good athlete ... a fine fellow indeed! His loyalty and support for our alma mater over the decades will not be forgotten. We classmates were blessed and privileged for him to be a friend, and may God bless him and his family. Auld lang syne.
- Edmund W. Holt, Pensacola, FL
All of my prayers and condolences to the friends and family of Bobby.
- Bill Newman, Lawrenceville, GA
Bobby and I spent many days together at Blue Ridge School during the 60s. We were good friends and team mates on the football and soccer teams. He was a fierce competitor with a great sense of humor. I have many wonderful memories of those times with Bobby. My sincerest condolences to his wife and family.
- Frank Shaw Hart, Columbia, SC
My deepest condolences to the Groves family. I worked for Bobby at Strachan Shipping in 1999. He was so kind, and I truly enjoyed working with him. He and the entire Strachan Shipping family embraced me and taught me so much about the industry. I have always bragged about how great of a guy he was. I know that he will truly be missed by all he has touched.
- Tonne Loury, Augusta, GA
Tom and I are profoundly sorry for your loss. We are keeping your family in our prayers!
- Tom and Julia Perry, Linville, NC
My deepest condolences to Bobby's family. Bobby was an amazing man and I truly enjoyed getting to know him over the years at GMHG. He will be missed greatly and remembered fondly. All my love to the Groves family.
- Shannon Helton, Southern Pines, NC
It was a privilege to know Bobby and to serve with him on the board of Blue Ridge School. My late husband, Howard, and I thoroughly enjoyed Bobby and Anne and have been the richer for knowing them.
- Jean Hart, Iowa City, IA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Visitation
- 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sun, August 18, 2024
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
-
7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive (map)
Savannah GA 31406 - 912-352-7200
- Graveside Service
- 11:00 a.m. on Mon, August 19, 2024
- Bonaventure Cemetery
-
330 Bonaventure Road (map)
Savannah GA 31404 - 912-651-6843
