Wink Groover of Longview, Texas passed away Sunday, April 11, 2010 after a battle with cancer. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 14, at Oakwood Cemetery with the Rev. Frank Mangum officiating. The funeral will be  at Wilkirson-Hatch Bailey Funeral Home located at 6101 Bosque Blvd. in Waco, Texas. 

Groover was born Sept. 27, 1935 in Miami, Fla. His passion was Tennessee Walking Horses. For the past 56 years he was involved in all aspects of that breed, including raising, training, judging and showing. He was National Walking Horse Trainer of the Year in 1970 and 1992. He also served as president of WHTA in 1970 and 2007.

He and his wife, Nancy, were married for 25 years. As best friends, their lives were centered around the horses and each other.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy McNamara Groover; son, Winky Groover of Shelbyville, Tenn.; daughter, Cindy Walker of Chattanooga, Tenn.; step-son, John Carter Hicks of Waco; and two grandsons, Dan Groover and Michael Walker.

Memorials may be made to Beacon Hospice at Margaret's House, 5016 Gilmer Rd., Longview, TX 75608.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory in their Memorial Guestbook at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com.

Flowers can be sent directly to the church the morning of the service or the family has requested donations to be made to FAST, P.O. Box 259 Shelbyville, TN 37162 or Beacon Hospice Margaret's House, 5016 Gilmer Road Longview, TX 75604.