John Allison Groover

John Allison Groover, 90, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026. Born in Fort Meade, Florida, on July 30, 1936, John was the son of James A. Groover and Virginia Martin Groover. He spent most of his life in Winter Haven, Florida, where he built his career, raised his family, and became a respected member of his community.

On June 26, 1953, John married the love of his life, Annette Groover. Together they shared more than 71 years of marriage before her passing on December 2, 2024. Their life together was blessed with two sons, John D. “Desi” Groover and James Kristopher “Kris” Groover and their wives, Debbie and Teresa; four grandchildren, John, Allison, Whitney, and Kristopher “Kris”; and many great-grandchildren.

John served in the National Guard as an X-ray technician before beginning his career in the pest control industry. After working in Tampa, Florida, and obtaining his pest control license, he returned to Winter Haven and, in 1964, opened Groover Exterminating, Inc. with his father. In the years that followed, John also became involved in the citrus business, a feed store, and various other ventures. He was a hardworking and enterprising man who was never afraid to take on something new.

John loved fishing and hunting and cherished every opportunity to be outdoors. One of his favorite places was the family beach house on Little Gasparilla Island, where he could fish, enjoy a cup of coffee on the deck, watch the storms roll through, and take in the beauty of the sunrise and sunset. Those simple moments brought him great joy.

John was also a man of deep faith. He wanted those around him to know that he professed Jesus Christ as Lord of his life and as his Savior. He had a lifelong fascination with eternity—what it was and what it meant—and his faith and understanding of eternity gave him a sense of calm and peace throughout his life. His faith was not simply something he spoke about; it was a source of strength that carried him through the many seasons of his life.

After retiring at approximately 65, John faced significant health challenges, including heart disease that required bypass surgery and several battles with colon cancer. Yet he continued to persevere. He put those hardships behind him time and again, demonstrating the resilience that defined so much of his life. He lived to the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, hard work, perseverance, and love of the outdoors.

John will be deeply missed by his sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was long, full, and lived with purpose—and he leaves behind the lasting reminder that there is peace to be found in faith, family, and the simple blessings of life.

John knew where he was going, and he looked forward to eternity with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.