Bobby Owen Groce

Hamptonville - Mr. Bobby Owen Groce, 91, entered into the more immediate presence of his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, on October 26, 2023. He was born on September 14, 1932 in Yadkin County to the late Jay Dee Groce and Fannie Vestal Groce. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life, his beloved wife, Shelby Jean Whitaker Groce and by his sisters, Peggy Wilmoth and Avis Steelman. Mr. Groce was a dedicated Christian. He was a long-time member and long-serving Deacon of Fall Creek Baptist Church in Jonesville, NC. Earlier in his life, Bobby proudly and honorably served his country in the United States Army. In addition to enjoying reading his Bible daily and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, he was an avid storyteller and loved telling jokes. He very much loved to laugh and to make others do the same. He also enjoyed farming, gardening, fishing, watching Tar Heels basketball and Atlanta Braves baseball. Bobby also enjoyed visits and spending time with family. He is survived by his children, Tim (Priscilla) Groce, and Sherry (Edward) Allen; grandchildren, Dusty Allen, Ashley (Brendan) Garcia, Kala (Gregory) Longworth; great-grandchildren, Brooke Allen, Nick Allen, Sophie Garcia, Xander Garcia, Wesley Longworth, Bobby Longworth; his siblings, Jay Wilson “Moody” (Irene) Groce, Mary (Tommy) Shore, Delaney Cline, Ronnie (Ann) Groce; numerous nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Jackie Gough; and dear friend, Sue Owings. The family will receive friends at Fall Creek Baptist Church in Jonesville, Sunday, October 29, 2023 from 2:00-3:00pm. A funeral service will immediately follow the visitation with Rev. Don Hudson and Rev. Josh Barnes officiating. Burial will follow at Fall Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family would like to thank Fall Creek Baptist Church, Bobby’s special care givers, Nancy Crouse, Sandy Brewer, Abbie Hobson, Katlyn King and Lynn Hunt, the staff of Hugh Chatham Hospital and the staff of Mountain Valley Hospice, for the loving care shown to Bobby and family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fall Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 3345 Fall Creek Church Rd., Jonesville, NC 28642 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  Gentry Family Funeral Service in Jonesville is serving the Groce family.  Online condolences can be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com.