Throughout his life, William Lenson Groves was involved in education, either as a teacher or a student. So when he recently donated property in Rutherford County to Southwestern Community College, he wanted to make sure the proceeds would benefit students and the quality of their education.

The property was sold, and the net proceeds of $38,348.23 will be used to endow student scholarships as well as support special projects designed to improve learning. The endowed fund will be in the name of William Groves and that of his late wife, Frances Raleigh (Rose) Groves.

“William is a most gracious and generous person who has always put others and their needs ahead of his own. He has always sought to improve the life of others,” said Dr. Cecil Groves, president of Southwestern Community College and a second cousin of Groves. “William believes in education and dedicated his life to teaching in the public schools.”

Born and reared in the small farming community of Rocky, Okla., William Groves attended and graduated from nearby Weatherford College, starting his teaching career in 1939. He served during World War II in the Air Force. where he was crew chief for B-24s based in Burma and China. It was during his time in service that he was encouraged by a friend to begin writing letters to a young lady named Frances Raleigh Rose who lived in Spindale, N.C. Thus began a 15-year correspondence that culminated in their marriage in 1960.

For most of his married life, Groves taught fifth- and sixth-graders in Pampa, Texas. When his wife passed away in 1987, he moved back to the original home place in Rocky, Okla., to take over the farm. For years, Groves also maintained the property of his wife’s family in Spindale in hopes of one day moving back to North Carolina. But time and circumstances didn’t permit that to happen.

While considering what to do with the property in Spindale, Groves’ own experience with education factored heavily into his decision-making. Over the course of his life, he had earned two baccalaureate degrees and touched countless lives through his vocation as a dedicated teacher.

Groves gave as his reason for the gift to SCC that “it only seemed right that the proceeds from the Rutherford County property should go to help deserving North Carolina students help themselves and their families to a better future.”

For more information on the SCC Foundation, contact Becky Medford at 586.4091 or 800.447.4091, ext. 218.