Anthony "Tony" Mack Groce

GroceEast Bend - Mr. Anthony "Tony" Groce, 60, of Old US Highway 421 passed away Thursday, February 25, 2016 at his home. He was born September 27, 1955 in Forsyth County to the late Johnie Mack and Barbara Cornelius Groce. Tony dedicated his life to teaching music. He obtained his Bachelor of Music Degree from Appalachian State University in 1977, where he played trumpet in the marching band, and his Master of Arts Degree in 1983. After graduation Tony started his teaching career at Bunker Hill High School, followed by Bessemer City High School, and Shelby High School, before retiring from his alma mater Forbush High School in East Bend, NC in 2007. As band director, he was loved and appreciated by his students. Tony served in various positions over the years with the North Carolina Band Masters Association where his peers recognized him with the Award of Excellence on more than one occasion. He played trumpet and bass guitar in a top 40 classics/beach music band "Gallery" from 1975 - 2009. Tony's other passions were hiking and camping at South Mountain State Park and fly fishing. His love for hunting and the outdoors was inspired by his Grandfather Claude Cornelius. He also enjoyed reading, gardening, and his cat Sunshine. Surviving are his beloved sisters and brother, Daphne (Raymond) Swaim, Chris (Lisa) Groce, Cindy (Danny) Miller, Cornelia Groce; his nieces and nephews, Tara (Jesse) Sizemore, Jennifer Swaim, Alison Thornton, Dr. Tyler (Dr. Van) Groce, Austin (Brittany) Groce, Nathan Miller, Justin (Lindsay)Miller, Jessica Miller; great-nieces and great-nephews, Rylee and Bryson Sizemore, Olivia Thornton, Carter Groce, Kylie Miller. His laugh and joking nature will be dearly missed by his brother, sisters, family and friends. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00PM Sunday February 28, 2016 at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville. His funeral service will be 2:00 PM Monday at Enon Baptist Church by Rev. Mark Elmore. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Forbush High School Band Boosters, c/o Daved Roberts, 1525 Falcon Road, East Bend, NC 27018. Online condolences may be made to www.gentryfuneralservice.com.