Chad Grove

Chad Eric (Smith) Grove, 43 from Oblong, IL, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2020, due to a massive heart attack. Chad was a wonderful son, grandson, brother, nephew and partner in life. He was a phenomenal father and loved his kids more than life itself. He recently found work at Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Olney, a job he enjoyed and was particularly proud of. Chad was, by all accounts, a sports fanatic. He loved all things Chicago sports and was a passionate Cubs fan (even before they won the World Series)! His love of the game and the love of his kids coalesced into coaching Little League and travel baseball. His years of pitching were put to good use, teaching the next generation how to throw the ball with zest! Though he found enjoyment in sports, he found peace outdoors. He spent countless hours in nature, be that fishing, hunting, or simply walking in its stillness. We find comfort in knowing that the peace Chad longed for in this world has been made eternal. He is survived by his father, Jack Anderson, Robinson; his mother and Step-father, Cindy and Jeff Wilson, Bridgeport; his grandfather, Harry Anderson, Lawrenceville; his grandmother & step-grandfather, Tom & Jean O’Brien, Olney; his uncle, Gary Anderson, Duncan, OK; his aunt, Deborah Lin, Dundas; his brothers & sisters-in-law, Jason & Stacey Bradbury, Summerville, SC, Brian & Jamie Bradbury, Robinson, and Casey Wilson; his sister & brother-in-law, Stacey & Mark Holt, Oblong; his partner of 17 years, Veronica Smith and their children, Connor Smith, Hutsonville and Amilia Grove, Oblong; his nieces & nephews, Jackson & Josiah Bradbury, Summerville, SC, Kinley & Audrey Bradbury, Robinson, Keithfer Dolson & Keirstin Holt, Oblong; as well as several cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Audrey Anderson; his grandfather, Henry James Smith; his step-mother, Sandy Anderson; his uncles, James “Duke” Anderson, Michael Smith and Richard Smith; as well as his beloved dogs, Red, Baby Girl, and Moon. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. In his memory, casual dress is requested. A celebration of Chad’s life will immediately follow the visitation and will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday with Steve Dolson officiating. A procession will be leaving the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 19th, heading towards Portee Cemetery, rural Lawrence County, where graveside services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to a college fund for his daughter, Amilia Grove. Checks should be made to "Jack Anderson", with envelopes available at the funeral home.