Alvin Gibson Groves

Alvin Gipson Groves, 51, passed away May 12, 2012, with his family by his side at the Earlene Walker Hospice Home in Springdale, Ark. Alvin was born on April 6, 1961, in Little Rock to Nancy A. and Billy M. Groves. Alvin graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1979, attended Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Ark., then Louisiana Tech in Ruston, La., and graduated from UAMS College of Pharmacy in 1988. Alvin married Carol Watson on July 19, 1987, and they established their home in Rogers, Ark. Alvin and Carol welcomed a son, Billy Ryan, on Jan. 5, 1990, and a daughter, Sarah Grace, on Sept. 30, 1994. Alvin's family was always his first priority. He and his wife Carol were always together in everything he did. His children were his pride and joy, spending countless hours going hunting or fishing with his son Billy Ryan and attending hundreds of basketball games in which Sarah Grace played. While he always had a smile, it beamed when he was with his family. Alvin was employed by USA Drug as a pharmacist and then as a district manager for more than 23 years, a relationship he valued during his career and a source of support during his long fight with cancer. Alvin was an active member of Ducks Unlimited and belonged to Central United Methodist Church in Rogers, Ark. Alvin enjoyed mentoring young people, and found many opportunities to do so through junior baseball, Pee Wee football and basketball programs. Alvin was a giving person whose infectious personality and genuine interest resulted in hundreds of friendships, both personally and professionally, throughout his life. He spent most of his adult life supporting and encouraging others. His friends were a wonderful source of comfort and support until the very end. His grit, determination and positive outlook were always present but became inspirational during his battle with his illness. Alvin was preceded in death by grandparents, Bertha and Archie Groves of Magnolia, Ark., and Jewelle and Minor Ross Jenkins of El Dorado, Ark. Alvin is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Billy Ryan and Sarah Grace; parents, Nancy and Bill Groves; sister, Anita McAllister and her husband, Jim, and children Jennifer, Jim and Meagan; brother, Michael Groves and his children, Thomas, Taylor and Michelle; and brother, Jo Jo and his wife, Marie, and their daughter, Lauren Jo. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th St., Rogers, Ark., from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 17, 2012, at Central United Methodist Church, 2535 West New Hope Road, Rogers, Ark., at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. Carness Vaughn, the Rev. Jim Keith and the Rev. Dawn Spragg officiating. Interment will follow in the Pinnacle Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Rogers, Ark. Pallbearers are Billy Ryan Groves, Michael Groves, Jo Jo Groves, Tim Mika, Art Scott, Broek Breshears, Joe Davis and Ronnie Gray. Honorary pallbearers are Jim McAllister, Thomas Groves, Taylor Groves and Tony Raben. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials contributions may be made in honor of Alvin to The Kids College Fund (Billy Ryan Groves and Sarah Grace Groves) or Central United Methodist Church of Rogers or Benton County Ducks Unlimited or Pickles-4-A-Cause, c/o Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th St., Rogers, AR 72756. Family wishes to thank doctors and staff at Highland Oncology Group and Circle of Life. Online condolence may be made to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.