John T. Groover, age 81, of Americus died Friday, January 15, 2010. A native of Statesboro, Georgia he was born July 10, 1928, the son of the late George T. and Nancy Perry Groover. Mr. Groover has resided in Americus the past 30 years. Mr. Groover was a retired educator serving as a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent in the public schools of Georgia and was a veteran of the Korean War serving in Korea and Japan. Mr. Groover held degrees from Georgia Southern University, Peabody College and the University of Georgia. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Americus and the Fellowship Sunday School Class. Memorial services will be held Sunday, January 17, 2010, at 2:00 PM at Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel with Rev. Dr. Lamon Moates, Rev. Keith Parks, Rev. Rusty Mauldin, and Rev. Wendy Joyner officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the First Baptist Church Sunday School, Department Six. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Capital Improvement Fund, 221 S. Lee St., Americus, Ga. 31709 or Hospice of Americus and Sumter County, P.O. Box 1434, Americus, Ga. 31709. Mr. Groover is survived by his devoted wife of forty one years, Marion Worrell Willis Groover of Americus; a son and daughter-in-law, Carl Edward and Karen Willis of Americus; one granddaughter, Rebecca Willis of Americus; one brother Dan C. Groover of Atlanta; one niece, Lisa McKensie (Kelly) of Atlanta; one nephew, Dan C. Groover, Jr. (Katie) of Alpharetta; two great nieces, two great nephews, and several cousins. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Josh Willis, two brothers, George and Robert Groover and a sister-in-law, Josephine B. Groover. Memorials: First Baptist Church Capital Improvement Fund221 South Lee St.Americus, Ga. 31709 Hopsice of AmericusPO Box 1434Americus, Ga. 31709 Visitation: Following the service at Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel Service: 2:00 PM, Sunday, January 17, 2010 at Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel