Stephen Groce

Stephen (Steve) Groce was born October 6, 1955 in Talladega, Alabama to the late Earl and ILEE (Greer) Groce.

At an early age, Steve accepted Christ as his Savior. He was baptized at Rushing Springs Baptist Church.  Later, he united with Rocky Mt. Missionary Baptist Church, serving as a Crusader Counselor, Deacon and Member of the Male Chorus. Rev. Groce accepted the call to ministry and preached his first sermon November 25, 2007 (“I Will Trust in the Lord”).  Rev. Groce continued serving faithfully until his health prevented him from doing so.

 He was educated in the Talladega County School System and was a graduate of Lincoln High School. He was an Army Veteran, a DoD Civilian in Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm and subsequently retired with valor from Anniston Army Depot in 2011.

 Rev. Groce and his high school sweetheart, Vanessa Gaddis, were married December 27, 1973. This union was blessed with two sons, Karyes and Desmond.

 Rev. Groce was loved by many. For several years, he was affectionally known as Coach Steve, by the neighborhood kids within the Lincoln community. He loved going fishing with Alfred Groce and the boys (MG’s). He was an avid Alabama and Atlanta Braves Fan. You could often find him relaxing and watching games. This love for sports continued with his grandchildren.

Rev. Stephen Groce leaves to cherish his memories: his beloved wife of 48 years, Vanessa Gaddis Groce; two sons, Karyes (Katrick) Groce of Madison, Alabama and Desmond (De Antionette) Groce of Lincoln, Alabama; six grandchildren, Keldon, Deshawn, Kayla, Karyes II, Caleb and Caylee; five great-grandchildren, KD, Tahirah, Taraji, Mayani and Keiress; one sister, Margaret Earle Moton of Arlington, Texas; one aunt, Ruby Greer of Lincoln, AL;  devoted Mother-in-law, Christine M. Gaddis; Loving sisters-in-law; Doris (Willie) James; Loretta (Roger)King; Minister Angelina (Minister Marc) Fomby; Quin (David) Collins; Debra (Curtis) Brown; two brothers-in-law, Isiah (Tandra) and Michael (Janice) Gaddis;  A special niece, Pamela Moton (Emanuel) Rios, and great nephew (Mychael Moton); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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