Obituary of Ronald Lee Groat

Ronald Groat of The Villages passed away on October 20, 2011 after a long battle with cancer. Mr. Groat was born in Michigan and lived there all of his life before moving to the Villages in 2001 from Sault Ste Marie. Ronald worked for the Detroit Police Department, the Michigan State Police and for General Motors where he served in many capacities, he was Chief of Security at Buick Motor Division for over ten years, also served as a Chief of Security at Chevrolet V-8 engine plant and General Motors Truck and Bus and also served as Manager of Administration for the Flint Regional Security. He also worked in other departments of personnel. Ronald received a management degree from General Motors Institute, a Business Administration degree from University of Michigan and attended the Masters program at University of Detroit. Ronald was preceded in death by his parents Maurice and Anne Groat of The Villages; he is survived by his brother Jack (Beth) Groat, a sister Maureen (Dick) Stable Ford and his wife Joyce of 44 years and seven children, David (Patti) Donoho of Swartz Creek, Michigan, Connie (Marc) Giguere of Linden, Michigan, Timothy (Tina) Groat of Swartz Creek, Michigan, Jeannie (Dave) Bennett of Durango, Colorado, Kim (Jeff) Hall of Beaverton, Michigan, Lori (John) Beattie of Auburn Hills, Michigan and Alan (Linda) Groat of Yorktown, Virginia, 18 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Ron was a member of the Polo Ridge Association, Hanger Flyers Club and the Villages Trap and Skeet Club. Ron loved shooting, golfing and his family and friends. Services will be held at the New Covenant United Methodist Church on Sunday, October 23, 2011 at 2:30 p.m.. Visitation will be held the evening prior at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services - The Villages from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Covenant United Methodist Church or to Cornerstone Hospice of The Villages. Arrangements by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services - The Villages, The Villages, FL. Sentiments may be left online at www.hiers-baxley.com.