Cecil Lewis Groves

Dr. Cecil Lewis Groves passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 16, 2025, in Waco, TX surrounded by his loving family.

The burial will be a private affair for immediate family. There will be a celebration of Cecil’s life at a date to be announced in the future. Also, a memorial will be held this summer at the Groves Family Reunion in Louisiana. 

 Cecil, son of Cecil Franklin Groves and Sarah Louise Lewis Groves, was born in the small town of Flora, Louisiana on April 1, 1939. Around 1943, his family moved to Magnolia, TX where Cecil resided during his formative years and the place he considered home. He was the high school valedictorian and excelled in football and track & field. He was honored to play in the 1957 all-state football game and won multiple state titles in the shot put and discus. He attended Rice University on a football scholarship for two years before transferring to East Texas State University (now East Texas A&M University). While at ETSU, he won numerous conference titles in the shot put and discus. This is also where he met the love of his life – Linda Lou Leftwich. They married in 1962, shortly after both attained their Master’s degrees from ETSU. 

Dr. Groves devoted his life to an unyielding commitment to providing accessible, affordable, and quality education to everyone. He started his educational administration career in Jacksonville, TX at Lon Morris College as the chairman of the Social Science department from 1963 to 1967. From 1967 to 1970, he worked for the University of Texas at Austin while pursuing his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration which he obtained in 1970. 

Dr. Groves’ storied educational career began as a VP/provost for Delgado College from 1970 to 1977. From 1977 to 1983, Dr. Groves served as president of Austin Community College. From 1983 to 1985, Cecil served as a manager for Bausch & Lomb. He and Linda spent 1985 to 1989 in Colorado Springs, Colorado while he served as president of Pikes Peak Community College. From there, Dr. Groves served as the chancellor for Texas State Technical College from 1989 to 1996. Cecil and Linda’s final educational stop was in Sylva, NC where he served as president at Southwestern Community College from 1997 to 2010. After his retirement from SCC, Cecil pursued his vision of providing high-speed internet to all of the surrounding area. Because of this vision, BalsamWest FiberNet, LLC was formed through a partnership with Drake Enterprises and the Eastern Band of the Cherokees. BalsamWest provided much needed bandwidth for the college, public schools, hospitals, and businesses throughout the entire regions of western NC, north Georgia, and eastern Tennessee. 

In 1996, the Board of Regents for East Texas State University formally recognized him as a distinguished alumnus of the University. One of Cecil’s most prized acknowledgements was his selection as a recipient of The Long Leaf Pine Award. It is awarded to persons for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina and their communities. 

Upon retirement from BalsamWest, Cecil and Linda relocated back to Waco, TX to be closer to family. They had the pleasure to reside on the same street as two of their three children and four of their six grandchildren. Over the last 15 years, they had the blessing and pleasure to attend numerous graduations, sporting events, church confirmations, weddings, etc.

Cecil is remembered for his unwavering love and devotion to his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Linda; his son, Gary Groves and wife, Jill; his son Greg Groves and wife, Sandra; his daughter Gayla McClendon and husband, Mike. Survivors also include his cherished grandchildren – Benjamin Groves, Zachary Groves (children of Gary and Jill), Cooper Groves and wife Claire, Haley Groves (children and daughter-in-law of Greg and Sandra), and Grayson McClendon, Grant McClendon (children of Gayla and Mike). Additionally, he is survived by numerous cousins who valued their relationships with him. Cecil was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws.Cecil will be remembered not only for his accomplishments and passions but for the love he bestowed upon his family and friends. His journey exemplified integrity, perseverance, and determination, leaving a lasting legacy for his family. His spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.The family invites you to leave a message or memory on Cecil’s page at Grace Garden’s Funeral Home in Waco, TX: https://www.gracegardensfh.com/obituaries.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Cecil’s honor may be made to:

• Waco, TX:

  • East Texas A&M Foundation, https://www.tamuc.edu/vice-president-for-philanthropy-and-engagement/foundation/

  • Waco Salvation Army, https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/waco/ways-to-give-2

• Sylva, NC:

  • Southwestern Community College Foundation, https://www.southwesterncc.edu/Foundation

  • United Christian Ministries, https://www.ucmsylva.org/

• Austin, TX: please donate to the charity of your choice in honor of Dr. Groves