MR. Wayne Groce, age 83, of Summerville, Georgia passed away Friday, February 19, 2010, in a Rome hospital following an extended illness. A native Chattooga Countian, He was born to the late Charles Donald and Vera Josephine Stephenson Groce on January 6, 1927. Mr. Groce was a member of Summerville First Baptist Church, Deacon, and sang in the choir for forty years. He was also former Choir Director for South Summerville Baptist Church. He was the last surviving member of the Homeland Harmony Quartet, singing lead in 1951 through 1953. Mr. Groce sang at the Bill Gather Homecoming honoring the Homeland Harmony Quartet. He played pitcher, outfielder, and third baseman in the Georgia Textile Baseball League later coaching Little League baseball and softball. Was the former owner/operator of Summerville Pure Oil Service Station, was retired agent for American General Life & Acc. Ins. Co. Wayne enjoyed hunting, was an avid quail hunter, and a Veteran of WW II serving in the U. S. Army.

Surviving are His wife-Mary Elizabeth Groce; sons-Tim and Becky Groce, Don & Teresa Groce all of Summerville and Dan and Linda Groce of Fayetteville, GA.; sister-Joyce Parker; brother-Steve Groce both of Summerville; grandchildren-Brad & Kari Groce of Calhoun, Matthew Groce of Rome, Natlie & Jacob Williams of Calhoun, Whitney Groce of Fayetteville, Jared Groce of Summerville, and Daniel Groce of Fayetteville; 6 Great Grandchildren, Nieces, and Nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 22nd, at 2:00 P.M. from the Summerville First Baptist Church with Dr. Paul Mason and Dr. Kenneth Summey officiating, interment in Summerville Cemetery. Active Pallbearers-Brad Groce, Matthew Groce, Jarod Groce, David Groce, Jacob Williams, and Ben Groce; Honorary Pallbearers the Seekers Sunday School Class of Summerville First Baptist Church, Evon Woods, Amanda Driver, Sherry Carter, and Penny Cavin. Visitation is Sunday from 4 until 6 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.