Raymond Earl Groves went home to be with his Lord & Savior on Friday morning, March 6, 2020. He was born January 30, 1932 in Altus Oklahoma, an only child, predeceased by his father Earl Groves and mother Emma ( Williams ) Portorsnok. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Grace Romayne (Wadsworth ) Groves. Ray is also survived by their four children; Sharon (Doug) Tucker, Thomas R. Groves, Lori A. Piccirilli and Daniel G. Groves, grandchildren Marissa (Matt) Derrick, Jonathan Healy, Ryan Healy, William Groves, Levi Groves, Emmett Groves, great- granddaughter Harper Derrick, and a special cousin Sandy Lawson of Lubbock Texas.
After graduating from Vestal High School as class president, he joined the U.S. Navy and served on the USS CAMBRIA. On July 24, 1954 he married his high school sweet-heart Romayne at the Main Street Baptist Church in Binghamton where they are still members. Their honeymoon at the Canoe Island Lodge on Lake George began a lifelong love for God, family, the water and the hills. Their journey began with the building of their first home on top of Grippen Hill, camping in the Adirondacks, a cottage on Quaker Lake, scuba diving, hunting trips, and a farm in Port Crane. Ray retired from IBM Glendale. The journey was complete when they moved to Hoel Pond in the Adirondacks. What an adventure Ray & Romayne had together. He “ran the good race” and now he can rest. He will be missed by his family.
A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date.
The Wayfaring Stranger
I’m just a poor wayfaring stranger. I’m traveling through this world below.
There is no sickness, toil, nor danger in the bright world to which I go.
I’m going there… to see my father. I’m going there….no more to roam.
I’m just a going over Jordan. I’m just a going over home.
I know dark clouds will gather o’er me. I know my pathway’s rough and steep
But golden fields lie out before me, where weary eyes no more shall weep.
I’ll soon be free from every trial. This form will rest beneath the sod.
I’ll drop the cross of self denial and enter in my home with God.
Let Your Faith Be Stronger than Your Fear
In the deserts of your life, I’ll not desert you. I will make a way beside a flowing stream.
Through the valley do not fear, for I am with you, my rod and staff to comfort and redeem.
In the darkness of your life, I will not leave you.
In the shadow, I’m your light, your lamp, your sun.
I will be the star that shines above to guide you, a light unto your path to lead you.
Do not be afraid, I go before you. Do not be afraid, I am by your side.
Be still and know that I am with you…Let your faith be stronger than your fear.
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