Life History — Legacy
Deacon Willie Frank Groce, age 86, entered this world on April 8, 1940, in Russellville, Alabama, to the late Mattie Mae Suggs and John E. Groce. He was the third of fifteen children.
At a young age, Willie Frank developed a strong work ethic. He worked at the local cotton gin, Rockwood (Alabama, Limestone), and later at the Russellville City Water Department, where he faithfully served for 34 years as a pipe fitter before retiring.
On April 15, 1958, Willie Frank was united in holy matrimony to the late Mother Dorothy Ann Smith Groce in Iuka, Mississippi. To this union, six children were born—five sons and one beautiful daughter. Together, Willie Frank and Dorothy built a home founded upon love, faith, family, and the importance of looking out for one another.
His Service to God
Willie Frank was a man who believed in serving God and His people. He was asked to help build the currently known church, Friendly Temple Church of God in Christ, alongside then-Pastor W. R. Hughes. In 1978, the church was completed, and Willie Frank became an active and devoted member under Pastor Hughes’ leadership.
His commitment to the work of God was evident in his daily life. He became a true prayer warrior, faithfully going to the church each morning at 5:00 a.m. to pray for the church, the saints, his family, and others.
He also served as Sunday School Superintendent, where he studied the Word of God and encouraged and compelled men to follow the teachings of Christ. In addition, he served as a Deacon, becoming a faithful student and teacher of God’s Word. One passage that became especially meaningful to him was Psalm 91, whose words he engraved upon his heart.
A Love for the Saints
Deacon Willie Frank Groce loved traveling and fellowshipping with the people of God. He attended both State and National Church Conferences and especially looked forward to attending the prayer room at the National Conferences in Memphis, Tennessee.
He longed to be in the presence of God and among the saints. His love for God’s people extended beyond simply attending conferences. He often encouraged others to come with him and, at times, even paid their way so they could experience the fellowship, worship, and presence of God among the saints.
Deacon Groce continued this tradition for many years because this was where he found great joy. He believed in sharing his experiences with others and wanted those around him to experience the blessings he had received through fellowship and service.
A Legacy of Family
One of Deacon Willie Frank Groce’s greatest accomplishments was the legacy he established within his family. He taught his children the importance of family unity, love, support, and togetherness.
Deacon Willie Frank Groce and the late, Mother Dorothy Groce raised their children to look out for one another and to come together as often as possible. They taught us to support, encourage, and stand beside one another through every season of life.
Those lessons became a lasting part of the Groce family legacy.
His life was a testimony of hard work, faithfulness, prayer, service, family, and love for God’s people. He did not simply talk about his faith—he lived it. His early-morning prayers, dedication to the church, love for the Word of God, commitment to his family, and willingness to help others will forever remain a part of the legacy he leaves behind.
Those He Leaves to Cherish His Memory
Deacon Willie Frank Groce leaves to cherish his memory his beloved children:
• Frank Groce (Faye Alladin) of Bronx, New York
• Clifton Groce (Ashley Maddox) of Fayetteville, North Carolina
• William “Chris” Groce (Tami) of Russellville, Alabama
• Steve Groce (Shanda) of New York, New York
• Rita Groce King (Neal) of Russellville, Alabama
• Jeffrey Groce (Michelle) of Naples, Florida
He also leaves to cherish his memory, one Aunt, Mrs. Ollie White, of Birmingham, Alabama two sisters; Mary (Cedric) McCloud and Carolyn (Thomas) Hubbard, and one brother, John T. Groce, all of Russellville, Alabama, along with 32 grandchildren, 30 great-children, and 1 great-great grand-child, a host of nieces, nephews, friends, church family, and loved ones.
His Legacy Lives On
Though our hearts are heavy with his absence, we give thanks to God for the life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind.
Deacon Willie Frank Groce was a husband, father, brother, grandfather, deacon, prayer warrior, teacher, provider, friend, and servant of God.
He taught us to work hard, pray faithfully, love deeply, worship wholeheartedly, and never forget the importance of family.
His hands helped build a church.
His knees helped build a prayer life.
His words helped build the faith of others.
His love helped build a family.
And his life helped build a legacy that will continue for generations to come.
Deacon Willie Frank Groce may have completed his earthly journey, but the seeds he planted through faith, prayer, family, and service will continue to grow.
His work on earth is finished.
His legacy lives on.
And his memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him.
