Neal Jay Groves

Neal Jay Groves passed away suddenly on Saturday, January 3, 2004 at the age of forty-seven years, seven months and fourteen days.

Visitation will be at the Fitzgerald's Ivy Chapel in Tulsa on Tuesday, January 6, 2004 from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, January 7, 2003 at the First United Methodist Church in Tulsa with Rev. Tom McElroy and Rev. Ed Bateman officiating. Following cremation, Neal's ashes will be scattered.

Neal was born May 19, 1956 in Altus, Oklahoma. He was the son of Earl and Laura Elizabeth Groves. Neal moved frequently with his family during his early childhood as his father served in the United States Air Force. When the family later returned to Altus, Neal attended school there, graduating from Altus High School in 1974.

Shortly after graduation, Neal was married to his high school sweetheart, Brenda Connie on August 7, 1974. The couple made their initial home in Altus and upon completion of firefighter training; Neal began a career with the Altus Fire Department. While serving as a firefighter for nearly eight years, Neal moonlighted as an automobile body repairman. He then established his own business in Altus in 1980, J and N Frame and Body Shop. He operated this business for nearly twenty-two years before selling the company in 2002. While in Altus, he was active in the Altus Chamber of Commerce and Jaycees and also obtained his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Western Oklahoma State College.

In addition to his business in Altus, Neal started a new business in Lawton, B and M Collision, which he remained affiliated with until the time of his death. In 2002, Neal and Brenda moved to Tulsa while construction of their home in Westport was underway. Neal was the primary contractor and builder of their new home. After their move to Westport, Neal was active on the Westport Planning Committee.

Although Neal spent much of his life as a businessman and entrepreneur, he always found time to spend time with his family and friends. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Tulsa. Additionally, he was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed many activities including boating, fishing, skiing, jet skiing, snow skiing and hunting. He also made annual trips to Colorado for Elk hunting. His passion for the outdoors led to his enjoyment for riding his Harley Davidson. He had been to the Annual Sturgis Bike Week on a couple of occasions and recently participated with thousands of riders and non-riders alike in a journey home to Milwaukee to experience the Anniversary of a lifetime in Harley-Davidsonís hometown. He made a network of friends throughout the United States while participating in his trips.

Neal is survived by his wife, Brenda of the home; two sons, John Groves and his wife, Noel of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Jason Groves of Tulsa and his special friend, Shayla Dozier of Austin, Texas; brother and his wife, Earl D. and Kathy Groves of Owasso, Oklahoma; mother-in-law and her husband, Mary and Larry Bulriss of Altus, Oklahoma; father-in-law and his wife, John and Dee Thornton of The Villages, Florida; two brother-in-laws and their wives, Mike and Tammy Thornton, John and Suzanne Thornton; sister-in-law and her husband, Tina and Robert Barnes; thirteen nieces and nephews and numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorials be made to St Jude Childrenís Research Hospital, 322 N Lauderdale, Memphis, TN 38105.

Visit an online obituary and guestbook for Neal Groves at www.chapman-black.com.