A Tradition of Caring
Our Founders ~ Our Mentors ~ Our Inspiration
The Reverend T.A. Groce
09/22/1878 – 08/28/1962
J. Robert “Bob” Groce
07/29/1900 – 05/02/1985
Bob began his career with First Union Bank, but after serving in the Army during WW II he joined his brothers and worked as the office manager and Treasurer of the funeral home. A lifelong bachelor, he was active with the Lions Club, Masons and Shriners, and was meticulous in balancing the company books daily.
Willis H. “Bill” Groce, Sr.
09/02/1911 – 11/08/1991
In the 1940’s and 50’s Bill would wear formal long-tailed suit coats and striped pants on his funerals, while staff had matching striped slacks and short coats to match his long one. He was at his best managing high-profile services and yet he found time to serve as elected president of the N.C Funeral Directors’ Association and later as NC appointed Chairman of our licensing agency in Raleigh, The N.C. Board of Funeral Service. He and his late wife, Mary Dale Groce were parents to Joan Groce Jones (Skip). Dale Groce (Terrie) and W.H. “Bill” Groce, Jr. (Rhoda).
Fred F. Groce, Sr.
07/11/1914 – 07/20/2004
Fred probably served more families than any of the brothers; he was the most extroverted and enjoyed mingling, church picnics and suppers, the Jaycees, and the Candler Lions Club. He was a charter member of Abernethy United Methodist Church where he served on practically every committee and board except perhaps the WMU. He served as a field medic with the Army during WW II and he and his late wife, June Barger Groce had four children, Fred F. Groce, Jr., Laura Groce, Martha Lee Groce and John Groce.
Hugh Wood Groce
09/14/1916 – 06/10/2013
Hugh was the man who always had a friendly word for any office visitor as well as staff members. He also had a remarkable memory and if you needed to be reminded of an appointment or duty some time in the future, we just asked Hugh, and on the appointed day and time he would be sure to remind us. Like Bob, he was a bachelor and they shared the family home on Tampa Avenue just across the street from the funeral home office.
I had no plans at all! From the first call to Dale Groce, letting him know of Jerry's passing, he was at Carepartners Solace in 20 mins. He was greeting everyone, and his compassionate nature was overflowing!! He said they would be there, no rush to plan, just to let him know when we were ready. That made the whole process for us to plan just open up. We met, planned as Dale's professionalism was evident from the start. He listened as we talked, taking notes, and asked us to tell him about Jerry. Dale Groce and his staff were Amazing!! They helped us turn a very sad situation into a wonderful celebration of Life. We are forever grateful for Groce Funeral Home. 10 isn't high enough!