Obituary for Jon Groves

MR. JONATHAN LEE “JON” GROVES, age 48, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

 Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Wednesday, March 18, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Joey Bohannon and Rev. Jack Lee officiating, with interment in Plainfield Baptist Church Cemetery.

 Jon was born in Austin, TX on August 4, 1977, to Patty Higingbotham Smith and the late William Anthony “Pops” Groves. He was of the Baptist Faith, attended Dodge County High School, and moved to Ashland, AL after high school to be closer to his father. His world changed forever when his son, Chase, was born in December of 1997. His life further changed when his daughter was born in 2012.

Over the years, Jon broke and trained horses, transported racehorses until 2004, and later worked as a truck driver hauling cattle and freight for many years. He was a true cowboy through and through and loved the cowboy life, but he also had a love and passion for farming life. He later moved back to Eastman, to be closer with his family and grandkids. Jon later met his beloved companion, Kat, and they were an inseparable team who did everything together, including working for Walker & Watkins Farms, who loved and treated Jon and Kat like an extension of the family. He loved his mother dearly and made sure to call her daily. He enjoyed tractors, riding horses, and spending time and taking care of his favorite horse, Mo, who traveled all through Texas to Georgia with Jon by his side. He and Kat recently acquired a new horse, Doc, who he loved riding to work cows.

Jon was preceded in death by his Father, William Anthony “Pops” Groves and Beloved Uncle, Lewis Higingbotham.

 He is survived by his Companion – Kathleen “Kat” Brown of Eastman; Son – Chase Groves (Makayla Faulk) of Eastman; Daughter – Allie Groves of Jasper; Step Children – Sawyer Brown and Dalton Brown of Eastman; Grandchildren – Braxton Groves and Brantley Groves; Mother – Patty Higingbotham Smith of Eastman; Sister – Angela Groves Martin (Brian) of Cusseta, GA; Brother – Chris Groves of Eastman; Nieces and Nephews – Alex Groves, Kevin Groves, Issac Martin, Ruby Martin, and Georgia Martin; Several Aunts, Uncles, and Numerous Cousins and Friends; His Extended Family – The Watkins Family.

 The family may be contacted at the residence of Chase Groves, 73 William Way, Eastman, GA, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 1:00PM-2:00PM Wednesday, March 18.