Raymond E. Grover - Cremation Society of Virginia

Raymond E. Grover

August 12, 1937 - October 1, 2025

The world lost a truly great man on October 1 — our beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Ray was one of the best: generous with his time and wisdom, always ready for a spirited debate, and endlessly curious about the world. He devoured non-fiction books, read the newspaper cover to cover, and found joy in YouTube videos of people rebuilding old homes in Europe. He traveled all around the world, explored new ideas, and never turned down a good dessert.

Born in Woonsocket, RI, Ray graduated from Burrillville High School in Harrisville, RI. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Chemistry from the University of Rhode Island and went on to complete his MBA at Georgia State University.

Ray pursued many business ventures throughout his life. He began his career with Archer Daniels Midland where he met Georgiann in Minnesota. Then after moving to Virginia after graduate school worked for Royster Fertilizer and later created Nitrex and Biosystems, LLC. He was also co-owner of Precision Printing. He gave generously of his time, volunteering with Symphonicity and the Virginia Beach Arts Center.

A lifelong sailor, he found peace and adventure on the water. His children remember fondly the days spent aboard the family boat, catching blue crabs or napping on a pile of life jackets until returning to the dock. His love of gardening, woodworking, traveling and exploration filled his days with beauty and purpose.

Above all else, he loved his family fiercely. He especially adored his grandchildren. He was a helper, a fixer and a wonderful storyteller. His warmth, humor, and devotion will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his daughter Kimberly “Kim” Coletti, her husband Ian, and their daughter Isla; his son Timothy “Tim” Grover and children Nate, Forrest, Myah, and Logan; his sister Lois Stringer and her husband Ernie; and many extended family members and friends.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Georgiann Grover; his brother, Alan Grover; and his partner, Sandra Grace Brooks.

Memorial services will be held at 11am on October 18th at Altmeyer Funeral Homes ~ Southside Chapel, 5033 Rouse Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Symphonicity in his memory.

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The world lost a truly great man on October 1 — our beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Ray was one of the best: generous with his time and wisdom, always ready for a spirited debate, and endlessly curious about the world. He devoured non-fiction books, read the newspaper cover to cover, and found joy…

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My sincerest condolences on your loss. I had the distinct pleasure of serving with Ray on the Symphonicity Board of Directors literally sitting beside Ray at our meetings. I couldn't have asked for a more gracious, generous and loyal friend, especially as a fellow board member. I will miss his warm nature and common sense. The world is a better place for his having been here.

Our heartfelt sympathy to Ray’s family from us. Many thoughts and prayers go out to you! He was a SPECIAL PERSON and always remembered fondly by us. His sense of humor was infectious!

Ray loved his family and the outings we had. One of the last things I recall with him was our recent trip to our happy place, Seabrook, WA. He came out with us at the end of June for a week and got to hang out at our local 4th of July parade back on the island. He loved his seafood, and while in Seabrook, he and I drove to Lyttle Seafood in between Aberdeen and Ocean Shores, WA. He got a few Dungeoness Crabs and two dozen "medium"-sized oysters. When we returned to the rental, he and Kim picked the crabs, and he began shucking the oysters. These medium oysters were absolutely huge, and Ray did not hold back. We ate quite a few, but with so many left over, he shucked the rest, and the next day I made fried oysters (and he approved!). I never really go out of my way to eat oysters, but now I'll never pass up a chance to eat one of Ray's favorite things. He was a good man with a big heart, and he'll be deeply missed.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.