GROCE

Mr. Donald Stephenson Groce, “Steve”, aged 83, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away early Sunday morning, September 20, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his family. Steve was born in Summerville on September 6, 1943. He was a devoted husband for 54 years, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Steve was a kind and generous man who treated everyone with warmth and respect. His kindness touched not only those he worked alongside, but also his friends and neighbors. He will be remembered for the compassion shown to others and the lasting impression left on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Family was the heart of his life. He cherished every moment spent with his loved ones and took great pride in watching his children and grandchildren grow, cheering them on in their sports, celebrating their academic achievements, and supporting them in all they pursued. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Vera Groce, and his brother, Wayne Groce.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca “Becky” Lindsay Groce; son and daughter-in-law, Ben and Laura Groce; daughter and son-in-law, Kelley and Tod Crane; grandchildren Emma Crane, Will Groce, Lila Groce, and Michael Crane; sister Joyce Parker; several nieces and nephews; and special family friends, Kelli Veatch, Sonya Ledford, Betty Corbin, and Mollie Corbin.

Steve was a member of the last class of Summerville High School in 1961. He went on to graduate with a degree in Risk Management from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. Steve began his professional career as a business educator and baseball coach at Chattooga High School in Summerville. Following a move to Lake City, Florida, he continued to teach business education and served as head baseball coach and an assistant football coach for the offensive line and quarterbacks. He was especially proud to have been part of the coaching staff of the Columbia High School Fighting Tigers when they won the Florida Class A State Football Championship in 1967. After returning to Summerville, he began working at Georgia Rug Mill where he later became Plant Manager. In 1979, he served as Vice President of Bigelow Canada in Saint-Agathe-des-Monts, Quebec Province. The family returned to Georgia for him to serve as Plant Manager of the Lyerly Bigelow-Sanford Plant. In 1986, he was presented with the Beacon of Quality Award for his work in the carpet industry. Following this honor, he was recruited by Allied Signal Fibers in Dalton to serve as a Technical and Textile Engineer where he remained until his retirement in 1999. While at Bigelow, he enjoyed playing softball with the Georgia Rug Mill team. He was also an avid golfer who spent many happy hours on the golf course with friends. He was especially proud of his remarkable seven holes-in-one throughout the years.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 27, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Casey Bramlett officiating. Interment will be at the Summerville Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Will Groce, Michael Crane, Rick Chesley, Wes Maddux, Dee Windle, Jack Ledford, and Andy Stivers. Honorary pallbearers, Donnie Baker, Rusty Dooley, “Lefty” Norton, Jerry “Dink” Willingham, Mike Wilson, Everett “Porky” James, Ronnie Land, Bud Reynolds, Harry Barnes, and “Monk” Grover. Mr. Groce will be in state at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 12:00 PM until the service hour on Sunday.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements