Dr. A. Wayne Groce, 81, of the Rock Springs Community, passed away Friday, May 30, 2025, at St. John's Place in Fordyce. He was born May 5, 1944, in Wilmar to the late Albert White Groce and Edna Lee McKinstry Groce.
He was a retired Veterinarian and member of Rock Springs Community Church. Dr. Groce enjoyed beef ranching, loved his animals and helping out any way he could in the Rock Springs community and with the Clear Creek Fire Department.
He is survived by his wife, Karen Groce of the Rock Springs Community; one daughter, Beth Groce of the Rock Springs Community; one brother, Dennis Groce of Goldsboro, N.C.; sister-in-law, Lyn Pelt (Jim) of Collierville, Tenn.; niece, Sherry Hambright (Wes) of Jacksonville, N.C.; along with numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Rock Springs Community Church with Rev. Marty Reep officiating. There was a visitation one hour prior to the service from 10-11 at the church. Burial was in Rock Springs Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers were Bari McKeown, Don Bostian, Britt Burris, Jim Tadel, Tyler Spencer, and Johnny Free.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Rock Springs Community Church/Rock Springs Cemetery Association (835 Rock Springs Rd. Wilmar, AR 71675) or the Mississippi State University Dr. A. Wayne Groce Scholarship Fund (Fund 500891; 240 Wise Center Drive Mississippi State, MS 39762).