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, NC; sister-in-law, Lyn Pelt and husband Jim of Collierville, TN; niece, Sherry Hambright and husband Wes of Jacksonville, NC; along with numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Rock Springs Community Church with Rev. Marty Reep officiating. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 at the church. Burial will be in Rock Springs Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are 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). You can sign Dr. Groce's guestbook registry on this page.
Condolences(15)
Greg Howell
Brookhaven, MS Wednesday, June 4, 2025 My deepest sympathy to the Groce family. Dr. Goce will always be remembered as a man of few words and great wisdom. He was a talented teacher, a dependable mentor, and a true friend to us all. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers.Tara Puckett
Castle Rock, CO Tuesday, June 3, 2025 My deepest sympathy to Karen and Beth, and all the rest of Dr. Groce’s Family.🙏My prayers are with you. I worked with Dr. Groce for 18 years at MSU-CVM. He was a very special person who was a wonderful professor and really care about others and especially the animals he worked with. He will truly be missed.Dianne. Lloyd
Monticello, AR Tuesday, June 3, 2025 Dr Groce was the best vet, I!ve ever used. He once diagnosed the problem with my dog over the phone! And he was correct. Prayers for the family. DianneKristin Berry
Ridgeland, MS Tuesday, June 3, 2025 Of all the professors and clinicians I encountered while a student at MSU CVM, my fondest memories and stories involved Dr Groce. I was strictly interested in pursuing small animal medicine but all these memories and stories were on the large animal rotation. Dr Groce may have been strict and somewhat intimidating, but he had a wicked dry sense of humor and a soft side that endeared him to me. He will be missed by many and will live on in the hearts of so many former students. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends.Todd Henderson
Lancaster, SC Monday, June 2, 2025 Dr.Groce was an icon in the clinics and I not only learned about food animals ( and how to wash the truck correctly) but also about life. He continued teaching even though his students were graduated by writing his articles from the tractor seat. He will be missed.Ben and Elizabeth Wright
Water Valley, MS Monday, June 2, 2025 Our deepest sympathy to the family for your loss. Ben and I were students of Dr. Groce at MSU-CVM. He shared his practical wisdom with his students and we have found it useful in practice. We so enjoyed reading his articles in Pegasus Press--"View from the Tractor Seat"(I think I remembered the title properly). He was very smart and knew how to connect with people. He always seemed to be glad to see us and visit with us at the CE meetings at State. I know you will miss him and we will keep you in our prayers.David Watson
BRANDON, MS Monday, June 2, 2025 Dr. Groce was the quintessential veterinarian and exuded professionalism, excellence, pride, and practicality. As a student under him you couldn't help but have some of these qualities rub off on you. I still recall many practical lessons learned from him that I still employ in my every day practice. There is no doubt that he left a lasting legacy as a veterinarian, teacher, and a great man. I am honored to have had the opportunity to know him and learn from him. My deepest sympathies to his family.Dawn Hoover
Fairhope, AL Monday, June 2, 2025 Dr Groce was kind, funny, brilliant and an excellent veterinarian. I was lucky enough to have him as a professor in vet school at Mississippi State. The joy he got from sharing his passion for veterinary medicine shapes the way I still practice today. Sincere condolences for his loss. He truly made a difference!Harry Fyke
Oxford, MS Monday, June 2, 2025 My deepest sympathy to the Groce family. Dr. Groce was our instructor during my food animal rotation, and though I work with companion and laboratory animals now, he instilled a respect for the care of all animals. He was stern but had a great sense of humor at times. He was a 'vet's vet' and a mentor to many students.Tol Berryhill
Richland, MS Monday, June 2, 2025 My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Groce’s family. He was a fantastic teacher, veterinarian and human being. He had a positive influence on many students at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State.Kim Kozuma
Kurtistown, HI Monday, June 2, 2025 Dr. Groce was a legend. I believe he left an impression on all of us, one way or another. I really appreciated his common sense approach to vet med. If anyone listened, he would offer pearls of wisdom. While I was very intimidated by him, he never made me feel inadequate because of my lack of farm upbringing. If he saw you put in the effort, he would take the time to work with you. He came from a different era and will be missed. Like James Herriot's stories (several similar experiences in practice myself), his pearls of wisdom are fondly remembered. The biggest lesson is to ALWAYS be professional as we are professionals in a noble calling. He will be missed but never forgotten. Aloha to his family from Hawaii from the token pineapple student.Mike Gowan
Flowood, MS Monday, June 2, 2025 I was a former student of Dr. Groce at MSU-CVM. He was a brilliant man and made a lasting impact on so many students. I extend my deepest sympathies for your families loss. As a man of faith, we can also celebrate what is to come. Our prayers for you all during this time.Rod Christmas
South Paris, ME Monday, June 2, 2025 My deepest sympathy goes out to Dr. Groce's family. Growing up in Collins, he was my hero and inspired me to become a veterinarian. During my time at Mississippi State's vet school, I was fortunate to have him as my mentor, exemplifying the highest standards of professionalism. Over the years, I witnessed not only his professional excellence but also his remarkable character. Dr. Groce was a hero, mentor, and the finest example of what a man should be. I am a veterinarian and a better human being because of A. Wayne Groce. He was the best veterinarian I have ever known.Frank and Betty McBee
Emmett, ID Monday, June 2, 2025 Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to you and your Mom , as well as prayers for peace and understanding. No you won't get over this but you will get through it,. Wish I could say words that comfort you and your Mom but I don't believe those words exist. We just lost our daughter, so although I can not fully understand , we can sympathize with you both . Hugs and our love.Mac and Betty McBee
Gail Barrett Lane
Star City, AR Sunday, June 1, 2025 My sincere condolences to Dr. Groce’s family. He was my vet for many years and I still think he was the best.