Larry Eugene Groff

Larry Groff left this earth on Sunday, December 3, 2017 after a long battle with Alzheimers.  He is survived by his loving wife Doris, their 4 children David Michael, Peter Andrew, Diane Marie McGahan (Bryan), John Larry (Carrie) and 11 grandchildren.  Larry was born on February 1st 1935 in Manheim, Pennsylvania.  He was a popular boy in school with good grades.  He spent his time playing football and singing in the school choir.  After high school, Larry attended Franklin and Marshall University (then college).  After a short while at F&M he withdrew to join the Army.  He was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas and found a home in the Finance Corps there.  When his service time concluded, he returned to Franklin & Marshall to finish his degree in 1961 with a major in Business Administration.  During his college years, he met Doris Huber and they married on the 10th of June 1961.  The next years were eventful as Larry worked as a sales representative for Humble Oil and eventually for his father at Groff Tractor in Mechanicsburg, PA.  After the birth of his 4th child, he found a strong desire to own a business of his own.  In 1973, he began Gateway Tractor & Equipment Company in Beltsville, MD.  One year later he relocated the business to Upper Marlboro and relocated his family to Crofton, MD in pursuit of his entrepreneurial dreams.  Larry oversaw all aspects of his business with honesty, hard work, and sound judgement.  The strength and reliability of his personal character inspired great loyalty from his customers and employees that continues to this day.  His success can be attributed to his professional yet easy manner while sensitive to his customers needs.  He formed many sincere friendships with customers and suppliers.  Larry wanted his customers and suppliers to succeed as much as he wanted it for himself.  He was a charming man who enjoyed the "art of selling" and will be sincerely missed by all that knew him.The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 7th 2017 from 6 to 8pm at Beall Funeral Home, 6512 Crain Highway Bowie, MD 20715.  A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 9th at 10:30am at the Prince of Peace Presbyterian Church located at 1657 Crofton Pkwy.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Alzheimers Foundation or The Providence Center (Arnold, MD) in memory of Larry.