Dr. Roy Louis Groce, Sr., 98 of Chickamauga, a preacher of The Gospel of Jesus Christ for seventy years, went home to be with The Lord on Thursday, June 14, 2018. He was born on July 19, 1919 to the late James and Lillie Holmon Groce.
He served his country in the United States Army during World War II, where he earned numerous awards. He was a former employee of Southern Railroad where he worked as an electrician.
Brother Groce pastored Head River Baptist Church in Cloudloud, Ga., Mount Herman Baptist Church in Kensington, Ga., Sunnyside Baptist Church in LaFayette, Bethlehem Baptist Church in Chickamauga, Dalton Baptist Tabernacle in Dalton, Frawley Road Baptist Church in East Ridge, New Bethel Baptist in Harrison, Shield Baptist Church in Chickamauga, and Cleveland Heights Baptist Church in Dalton, before he retired from pastoring, but still continued to preach God’s Word. He was a faithful servant of God.
Reverend Groce married Leafy Opal Nave Groce on April 24, 1937. She was his school classmate in a one-room school house at Pond Springs School in Chickamauga. Leafy was his sweetheart, best friend and wife for 78 years.
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved Leafy; their daughter, Alice Green; and daughter-in-law, Shirley Groce.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Charles (Barbara) Groce, of Fort Oglethorpe; Roy L. (Barbara) Groce, Jr., of Rocky Face, Dr. Ernest (Wanda) Groce, of Rossville, Chester (Carolyn) Groce, of Ringgold, Earl (Meda) Groce, of Rossville, 16 grandchildren, Jimmy, Ronnie, Babs, Donna, Karen, Sherry, Laura, Corey, Belinda, Tammy, Eddie, Chet, Randy, Troy, Gary and Dana; 38 great-grandchildren; and many great-great-grandchildren.
Our family has been given a great heritage by this man of God. We have been blessed to call him Dad, Papa, Pastor and friend. We love you dearly and treasure all that you taught us through a life lived to the fullest by your walk with our Savior. This is not “good-bye,” although we will miss you greatly, we will see you again in Heaven. Thanks for the life you lived, loved and shared with us.
The family will receive friends Saturday from 4-8 p.m. and Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 18 at Victory Baptist Church in Rossville.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Cleveland Heights Baptist Church Building Funds or to BIMI Missions in care of Victory Baptist Church.
Arrangements by Wilson Funeral Homes – Chickamauga. Online register book at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com.