Owner of Durham's much-loved Starlite Drive-In dies at 55

DURHAM -- The unexpected death of Starlite Drive-In owner Robert Franklin Groves could mean a final curtain call for one of the Triangle's most nostalgic landmarks.

Groves, 55, died early Friday after a brief hospital stay.

For many, the loss was a gloomy passing of a bit of Americana in Durham that had not fallen victim to the multiscreen mall cineplexes changing the suburban landscape.

"That's the only drive-in movie theater that I even know exists," said Kelly Caudill, a Bahama resident who lived next door to Groves for three years. "I don't know what we're going to do without him because he made the Starlite. He was the Starlite."

Groves, an Army veteran, was born and raised in Cumberland, Md.

He left Maryland in 1970 for North Carolina, said his brother, James R. Groves of Cartersville, Ga.

After several years in the Army, Groves was drawn into the movie business that he would stick with for the rest of his life.

That commitment would be difficult at times. In August 2004, a fire destroyed the Starlite screen, leaving only a shell of hope for people who liked to watch first-run movies under starry skies.

Groves did not have insurance on the screen, which was built in the 1940s, but the community rallied behind him with offers of money and volunteer help.

Nearly a year after the fire, the Starlite reopened to much fanfare in August 2005.

Groves, a man known for his quick wit and gentle spirit, was moved by the outpouring of support.

"I've got goose bumps up my back, big time," Groves told a reporter in 2005 as the projector whirred to a start.

Groves bought the theater at 2523 E. Club Blvd. in 1986. To help make ends meet, he opened a gun shop and video club at the site.

His customers lauded him for offering reel variety.

For many years, Groves lived in a mobile home on the edge of the theater property with Blackie, his German shepherd.

He was a member of Durham Lodge 352, Durham York Elite Bodies, Scottish Rite Valley of Raleigh and a member of the Ceremonial Cast, Amran Shrine Temple in Raleigh.

A memorial service is scheduled for 4 p.m. today at Hudson Funeral Home, 211 S. Miami Blvd.