Rev. R. Zeno Groce

Rev. R. Zeno Groce, a faithful Minister of the Gospel, went to be with his Lord on December 10, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. Zeno gave his life serving others, and was pastor of Woodland Baptist Church for 46 years until his retirement in 1998. He was born in Yadkin County on June 22, 1922 to Daniel Webster Groce and Emma Rutledge Groce. Zeno met Helen Hicks and they were married on April 3, 1942 and the couple was blessed with three sons. On September 1, 1942 he enlisted in the US Navy and began active duty aboard the U.S.S. Massachusetts during World War II. After receiving his honorable discharge in October 1945, he worked for Parrish Tire Company for 11 years. In the summer of 1953 Zeno felt the call of God on his life to be a minister of the Gospel and was ordained as pastor of Woodland Baptist Church on April 24, 1955. During his 46 years as pastor, the congregation grew from 100 in attendance to as high as 2,000. Zeno preached at revival services throughout the southeast, and served as a mentor to numbers of pastors. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son, Danny in 2009, all of his siblings, Howard, Buford ""Skeet"", Mamie Rhodes, Adelene Rhodes and Ruby Foster He is survived by his loving wife of over 70 years, Helen, two sons; Mike (Brenda) Groce of Newton, and Joel (Donna) Groce of Winston-Salem; a daughter-in-law, Pam Groce of Rural Hall; three grandchildren, Michele(Gregg) Gibson of Maiden, Brian (Gwen) Groce of Campobello, SC, and Amber (Joe) Swagger of Lillington; and 8 great-grandchildren Kayla, Michael, Kari, Braedon, Kholten, Clayton, Ashlinn, and Mallory. Funeral services celebrating Zeno's life will be conducted 6:30 p.m. Thursday, December 13, 2012 at Woodland Baptist Church with Mike Groce, Joel Groce and Rev. Tim Gammons officiating. The Groce family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. prior to the service at Woodland Baptist Church. Zeno's body will lie-in-state at the church from 12:00 noon until the time of the service. A private burial with military rights is planned for Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Woodland Baptist Church, 1175 Bethania-Rural Hall Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106 or Hospice and Palliative Care Center, 101 Hospice Ln., Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

Cemetery:
Private Graveside Service will be conducted Friday, December 14, 2012

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