Walter Buford Groves

Walter Buford Groves, 82, of Thomasville, passed away on Thursday - August 27, 2026 surrounded by his family.

Funeral Services will be held at Ione Full Gospel Lighthouse Church on Wednesday - September 2, 2026 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Terron Stonecypher officiating. Interment will follow at Big Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday - September 1st from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Whiddon Shiver Funeral Home Chapel. 

Buford was born in Coolidge, GA, on June 16, 1944 to the late Gary Grady Groves and Lois Christine Hall Groves. He spent 62 wonderful years married to the love of his life, Sandra Roberts Groves. He was a member of the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War and worked for Coats & Clarks for over 30 years as a Supervisor. After the company closed down he started his own lawn care business called Country Boys. He also spent many years as the Assistant Pastor at Ione Full Gospel Lighthouse Church where he also taught Sunday School. He loved to sing Gospel music, listen to Blue Grass and play the guitar. He was a great mentor to many people over the course of his lifetime. He was loved by everyone and will forever be missed and in the hearts of all who knew him.

He is survived by; his wife; Sandra Roberts Groves of Thomasville, daughters, Sharon West (Mark) of Thomasville, and Debbie Groves of Mableton, GA, grandchildren, Carrie Chancy (Justin) of Boston, GA, Courtney Setliff (Ryan) of Ochlocknee, GA, Nicholas Reed (Mikaela) of Thomasville, and Hannah Watkins (Will Alt) of Hauser, ID, great-grandchildren, Deacon, Talen, Ledger, and Elliette Chancy, Leighton and Rhett Setliff, and BlakeLee Alt, siblings, Alton Bozeman (Donna), Jeannette Long, and Andrew “Andy” Groves (Sandy), all of Thomasville, Betty Partain of Moultrie, GA, and Robbie Groves, Sr. (Becky) of Thomasville, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son; Walter Lee Groves; siblings, Charlie Bozeman, Barbara Peppers, Ronald Groves, Gary “Buddy” Groves, and Tommy Groves.