Randy Groves

Randy Walter Groves, 66, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away June 13, 2023, at his residence in Poplar Bluff.

Mr. Groves was born July 24, 1956, to James (Bill) Groves Sr. and Vera Armstrong in Poplar Bluff.

Randy was a member and former pastor of the First Church of God of Poplar Bluff. He was a 1974 graduate of Poplar Bluff High School and following graduation he attended Gulf Coast Bible College in Houston, Texas. While attending college he traveled and sang with The King’s Court Gospel Quartet. He later became Minister of Music and Youth at the First Church of God in Morristown, Tennessee. He was ordained by the Church of God of Anderson, Indiana, in 1981. He preached youth revivals, youth camps, and crusades, as well as being song director for Camp meetings. He later became Pastor of the First Church of God in Waco, Texas. He later became Pastor of his home church, the First Church of God in Poplar Bluff, for approximately six years. Following Pastorate in Poplar Buff, he became a support pastor for churches in our district that were in between pastors. In addition to his ministry, he held several secular jobs including becoming a certified horseshoer. He was a graduate of Tennessee State Farrier, and Blacksmithing School and Oklahoma State Horseshoeing School. Mr. Groves enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren who lovingly refer to him as Pawpaw.

On Nov. 25, 1983, he married Faith Colclasure Riley in Poplar Bluff. She survives.

Other survives include three sons: Lonnie Groves and wife, Leilani, of Yuma, Arizona, Joe Riley and wife, Sherry, and Aaron Groves, all of Poplar Bluff; 11 grandchildren: Steven Groves, Trevor Parks, and wife, Devon, Tyler Fredwell and wife, Shay, Christian Scott, Austin Riley and wife, Rachel, Trevor Fredwell, Chrissy Kerby, Kaylen Riley, Remi Groves, Maiya Groves, and Gunner Groves; three great-grandchildren: Everett and Ivy Grace Parks and Lane Riley; one brother: Lee Groves and wife Donna; and many other family and friends.

Mr. Groves was preceded in death by his father James (Bill) Groves Sr., his mother Vera Armstrong Groves and his brother Jim Groves.

Visitation will be, from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, June 17, 2023. Funeral services will immediately follow at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services in Poplar Bluff. Burial will take place at Walton Chapel Cemetery in Ellsinore, Missouri.

Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Randy Walter Groves.