Eugene Franklin Groce

After a brief illness, Eugene Franklin Groce, 95, passed away on Thursday, March 3, 2011 at Forsyth Medical Center. He was born on October 4, 1915 in Old Salem to Charlie Spurgeon and Joyce Brown Groce. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nonnie Salmons Groce; his brothers, Howard and Calvin; and his sisters, Ruby Feimster and Grace Feimster. Surviving are his daughters, Janet Groce Styers and husband, Dr. Thomas (Tom) R. Styers, Jr. of Rural Hall, and Donna Groce Gouge and husband, Bruce of Pfafftown; two granddaughters, Michelle Styers Lawson and husband, Randy of Mocksville, NC, and Tonya Styers Bovender and husband, Burke of Owensboro, KY; four great-grandchildren, Daniel Thomas Lawson, Sarah Grace Lawson, Tally Janine Bovender, and Stella Grace Bovender. He is also survived by a brother, Graham Groce. As a young boy, his family moved to Yadkin County to farm. He had a sixth-grade education but his real-life experiences gave him the education that made him what he became-a devoted husband, a loving and caring father, a doting grandfather and great-grandfather, and a community-minded leader. After marrying Nonnie Salmons in 1937, he was employed as a civil worker during World War II. He moved his young family to Winston-Salem and established Groce Building Company, later known as Groce Building and Repair Service. Always interested in his community, he served as City Alderman for the Southeast Ward for 1973-1981. During that time Governor Hunt also appointed him to serve on various state commissions. He was a long-time member of Immanuel-New Eden Moravian Church serving, many times, on the Board of Elders and Trustees and as Chairman. He also served as Superintendent of the Sunday School. No task was too small when it came to his church family. Involved in the American Legion Post 55, he served in many capacities. He especially loved the 40 and 8 club. His passions were fishing at the coast, playing and watching golf and NASCAR, doing card tricks, and traveling, especially to Las Vegas. He was a great story teller about his early adventures out West riding on boxcars with his cousin. Being a big jokester and prankster, he always had something funny to do to his family and friends. He loved being with his family. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 6 at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel with the Rev. Dr. William V. Campbell and the Rev. Cheryl G. Cottingham. Burial will follow in Salem Moravian Graveyard. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. The family wishes to thank Universal Health Care in King and to the staff on the second floor of Forsyth Medical Center for the care they provided. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immanuel-New Eden Moravian Church, 3680 Old Lexington Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27107. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

Memorials:
Immanuel-New Eden Moravian Church, 3680 Old Lexington Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27107

Cemetery:
Salem Moravian Graveyard

Visitation:
06:00pm - 08:00pm on March 5, 2011 at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel

Service:
Service at 03:00pm on March 6, 2011 at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel