William Jennings Groah

A Life Fully Lived: The Legacy of William “Bill” Jennings Groah, Jr.

William “Bill” Jennings Groah, Jr. was born on May 28, 1931, and was the son of the late Rev. William J. Groah and Jennie (Nicholas) Groah. He was born in Harrisonburg, VA and grew up spending time with cousins, aunts and uncles, in Port Republic, VA, where his grandfather, William M. Groah, owned and operated the Port Republic foundry for 63 years. Bill frequently recounted spending his summers in Port Republic as his favorite childhood experiences, which would include playing badminton, attending lawn parties at the Port Republic elementary school, swimming and playing in the river, and creating mischief (such as rocking the outhouse) with his cousins, JoAnn and Doris, as well as aunts, uncles, and other family members.

Winters in Port Republic were memorable for the bitter cold (the family home had one wood stove) and he fondly remembered his cousins placing warm bricks next to Little Bill’s feet so that he could get to sleep at night. And then, there was the infamous story of how older cousins JoAnn and Doris “baptized” the younger Bill by throwing him into an ice covered rain barrel in the dead of winter (an action for which the girls paid dearly!). Bill’s strong connection to Port Republic ultimately led him to spearhead an effort to recognize the Port Republic foundry site with a historical designation and to recognize the importance of the area with Civil War Preservation Trust designation and protections.

Bill’s father, William Jennings Groah, was a Methodist minister and served charges throughout Virginia, and as such the family relocated frequently. Bill attended 3 high schools, followed by George Washington University and then Ferrum Junior College. After this extensive “preparatory” education (Bill openly shared that after “flunking out” of GWU, his father lovingly supported and guided him to junior college), he attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Forestry. During these college years, Bill recounted working on lab projects with a fellow student who was remiss in his laboratory responsibilities, but then went on to get a graduate degree from North Carolina State University. Bill would say, “if that less than stellar [descriptors changed to protect the innocent or stupid] student could get into the Master’s program at NCSU, then I can do it too.” Bill completed his Master’s Degree in Wood Technology in the Department of Forestry at NCSU in just 1 year (1954-1955).

The following year, Bill was drafted into the United States Navy, serving on the U.S.S. Newport News. While he quickly earned the respect of and was nicknamed “Doc” by his fellow shipmates, it was the shipboard cuisine that would impact the rest of his life. With wide eyes and disgusted face, he would often tell the harrowing story of how he was forced to eat chicken and drink milk every day while on the heavy-gun cruiser. It is during this critical period in his life that he vowed never to eat chicken (however, he loved eggs and seemingly never noticed when chicken was stealthily added to stews) and milk (although milk was an ingredient in many of Bill’s treasured treats and sweets) for the rest of his living days. To his knowledge he was steadfast in this vow.

Because of his aversion to chicken and milk, Bill made sure he had an adequate protein source in his diet. Bill LOVED beans. Nearly any kind of bean. White beans, red beans, black beans, small beans and big beans. The more beans the better. This was unfortunate for his family. No more needs to be said.

In 1958, Bill went to work for Hardwood Plywood Manufacturers Association (which later changed names to Hardwood Plywood Veneer Association and then to Decorative Hardwoods Association). Bill worked for HPMA for 38 years as a wood technologist and oversaw all laboratory and technical activities until his retirement in 1996. His work and expertise in the effects of formaldehyde led to multiple consultations and the crafting of regulatory treatises. In 1990 he was awarded the Major Victory Award for his work on the New York State Smoke Toxicity project. While he officially “retired” in 1996, he continued to serve as a consultant for many years, drafting opinion and review articles for regulatory agencies, and researching and writing the organization newsletter twice monthly until his passing at age 93. A constant theme throughout his career pre- and post-retirement was a mutual respect for colleagues and a high moral compass.

Bill was introduced to his future wife, Virginia (Gibbs), by his cousin, JoAnn (the same JoAnn who had “baptized” him in the rain barrel during the dead of winter). JoAnn encouraged Bill to meet Virginia because “all the boys liked looking at her.” Bill noted an immediate attraction to Virginia (especially her deep auburn hair) and Bill and Virginia (who survives him) were united in marriage just a few months later in December 1960, in Wachapreague, VA. In October, 1961, they gave birth to their son, William “Billy” Michael Groah, named after Bill’s grandfather. In 1966, Bill and Virginia gave birth to a daughter, Suzanne (Suzie) and moved the family to Reston, VA.

Bill was a voracious learner and reader. He was a cognoscienti of the Civil War, Stonewall Jackson, the Founding Fathers and of course, the great Winston Churchill. Additionally, there is anecdotal evidence that Dad Jokes actually originated with Bill: the first documented reference to Dad Jokes was in 1987 (ref: "Don't ban the "Dad" jokes; preserve and revere them". Gettysburg Times. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: Sample News Group. June 20, 1987), and widespread adoption would be anticipated after approximately a quarter century of Dad Joke promulgation by Bill. Further, by definition the Dad Joke is intended to provoke a “groan”, which was an intentional adaptation of the family surname by Bill.

Bill was a scientist at heart and he kept detailed data of his experiments and activities. This practice carried over to home where he would keep meticulous records and analyses of any and all numbers. From real estate investments to trends of his growing portfolio of stocks and mutual funds, to a daily record of his vital signs that he maintained until his passing, he actively monitored and modified his approaches. His meticulous investment strategy and process grew from a hobby that developed into a solid plan to pay for his children’s education. The investing knowledge and skills he passed along to his children and grandchildren crossed generations which continue to positively impact his family today and beyond.

More than anything, Bill was a dedicated family man. When his children were young he could be found playing ball, attending their sports, prepping a field for the Little League game, accompanying them to amusement parks, and staying up all night playing video games (The Legend of Zelda was his favorite, for which he acquired and studied every hint book available). He went above and beyond as a parent. He loved MLB’s Cardinals and attending Cardinals games when they were in town with his son and grandson. He was the go-to babysitter for his grandchildren and family dog walker well into his late-80’s. He would modify classic board games with some of his favorite candies for his grandchildren. What kid would not want their parents to leave when the game, Sorry! was transformed to M&M Sorry!? What happens with Popsy (the grandkid’s name for Bill) stays with Popsy, Abby, and Zach.

Bill LOVED snow skiing. He took up snow skiing when he was about 40 years old and never looked back. He would brag about the 50+ mountains that he had skied in North America, the number of runs he had taken on a given day, and the vertical feet per day he had skied (not surprisingly, he meticulously monitored his ski run analytics and trends, measured with his GPS watch). He skied until he was 84 years old and was genuinely angered when ski resorts started to withdraw their “free skiing for seniors over 70” policies. Many ski maps were imprinted on his mind and as such he would guide his family with (not) detailed “thissy way” and “thatty way” instructions down the mountain. Even into his 80’s, he would be there for the ‘first chair’ of the morning. He loved the sport so much that it was routine for him to leave family members that he was skiing with behind if they needed to stop to rest. This practice became known as “Popsy Skiing”, which was clearly a genetic trait that skipped a generation and has now been passed down to his grandchildren.

His heroes were carefully chosen, often for their leadership, endurance, high moral compass and/or impact on the country or the world. George Washington and the Founding Fathers, Winston Churchill, Stonewall Jackson, and explorer Ernest Shackleton were among the top of his list. In these individuals, Bill admired aspects that made them historic exemplars, such as their life mission and purpose, the ability to overcome great adversity, and the positive impact they had on those around them and the world.

Bill is survived by his loving family: his dedicated life partner and wife, Virginia; son, William M. (and wife Tanessa) Groah; daughter, Suzanne (and husband Steven Fox) Groah; and grandchildren, Abby Fox, Zach Fox; and Bodhi the Bedlington terrier, all of whom will continue to feel his impact and essence in everyday life and beyond.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a sister, Betty J. Norvell, of whom he was very fond. Betty Jean lived in West Virginia and Bill would look forward to sharing his favorite West Virginia jokes every time they got together.

William “Bill” Jennings Groah, Jr., 93, of Reston, VA, passed away quickly and peacefully on Saturday, June 29, 2024 with his family by his side. The funeral service celebrating Bill's life will be held at noon on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at Port Republic Riverside Church, with Pastor Jace Bower officiating. Burial will be at the Port Republic Cemetery where he will rest beside his beloved family members in the little town where he grew up and which is so important to him.

The arrangements were entrusted to Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Grottoes. Online condolences may be shared with the family at johnsonfs.com.

In lieu of flowers, please support one of Bill’s favorite family events and the Shenandoah Musical Theater program as follows:

Online Instructions

• Go to: https://tickets.su.edu/donate/q/musical-theatre

• Click the "Other" button to make donations in any amount

• On the “more information” page, donors are asked to provide their first name and last name - In memory of William Groah

By Check

• Checks payable to: Shenandoah University

• In the memo: Groah Musical Theatre

• Mailed to:

Shenandoah University

Attn: Office of Advancement

1460 University Drive

Winchester, VA 2260

Bill and the Groah family have been part of the Port Republic community and Shenandoah for generations. For family and personal attention, please email us at WGroah@hotmail.com