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Tommy lived a life rooted in hard work, devotion to those he loved, and an appreciation for the simple things in life.

Hildred Thomas "Tommy" Groves Jr., 82, passed away on August 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family in his home. Tommy lived a life rooted in hard work, devotion to those he loved, and an appreciation for the simple things in life. He will be remembered for his playful sense of humor, skilled hands, unwavering independence, and the countless memories he created with family and friends.

Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, Tommy was raised in Hampstead on the sound of Sloop Point Road. Tommy dedicated 33 years of service to the North Carolina State Port Authority before retiring. A true handyman, there seemed to be very little he couldn't repair. Family and friends knew that if something was broken, Tommy could almost always find a way to fix it.

More than anything, Tommy treasured time spent with his son, Eric. Whether they were sharing their morning coffee, enjoying a couple of Highway 55 hot dogs, tinkering on projects, or simply being together, Tommy cherished every minute. He especially looked forward to gathering with family for oyster roasts, fish fries, and mullet and roe, where good food, laughter, and time spent together created some of his favorite memories. Tommy also enjoyed shooting pool with his buddies and looked forward to the fellowship of the "Old Cousins First Tuesday Bunch." Those gatherings were filled with stories, laughter, and lifelong friendships that he treasured throughout the years.

One of the greatest blessings of Tommy's life was the love he experienced in its many seasons. As a young man, he fell in love with his high school sweetheart, Lou Hollis Groves. Together they built a family and had two children. Lou's untimely passing left a lasting mark on Tommy's heart, and he carried her memory with him always. He was later married to Linda Beistel Groves for many years until her passing. During their life together, they shared countless memories as they watched their children start families of their own, cherished time with their grandchildren, and enjoyed taking mini vacations to the North Carolina mountains. Those years were filled with the simple joys of family, creating a lifetime of memories that remain treasured by those who loved them.

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Tommy never lost his sense of humor. He had a personality all his own—quick with a joke, never shy about sharing his opinions, and always authentic.

At the age of 80, Tommy met Mary "Sylvia" Groves, and together they began a beautiful chapter of companionship, laughter, and unwavering love. Sylvia brought renewed joy, purpose, and light into Tommy's life, and those who loved him found great comfort in seeing him smile so often again. Their marriage was built on friendship, kindness, and a shared appreciation for life's simple pleasures. They enjoyed riding around together, sharing favorite meals, and making countless treasured memories, but perhaps their happiest moments were the quiet ones - spending evenings side by side on their pier overlooking Topsail Sound, watching the sun slowly settle across the water. It was there, in the peaceful beauty of the place Tommy had lived since childhood, that they found contentment in simply being together. Watching them together was a gift to everyone who knew them, and Tommy's family will always be deeply grateful for the love, joy, and happiness Sylvia brought into his life. Their story was a beautiful reminder that life's greatest blessings can be found at any stage of life.

Tommy never lost his sense of humor. He had a personality all his own—quick with a joke, never shy about sharing his opinions, and always authentic. His honesty, determination, and unmistakable character made him someone people never forgot.

Tommy is survived by his loving wife, Mary "Sylvia" Groves; his daughter, Cynthia Groves McKinley and her husband, Randy; his son, Eric Thomas Groves and his wife, Kim; his granddaughter, Lena McKinley Sampson and her husband, Hunter, along with their children, Easton, Trent, and Adalyn; his granddaughter, Hayley Groves Longley and her husband, Evan, along with their daughter, Ella Mae; and his grandson, Thomas McKinley and his girlfriend, Britney Dix.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hildred Thomas Groves and Thelma Ruth Roberts; his sisters, Pat Weston, Barbara Marcum, and Bonnie Waters; his first wife, Lou Hollis Groves; and his second wife, Linda Beistel Groves.

The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026 at Blake's Chapel Advent Christian Church followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Steve Spearing conducting the service. Burial will follow in Barlow Vista Baptist Church Cemetery.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.quinnmcgowen.com

A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.