Charles Pelly Groce

1947 - 2025

In Loving Memory of Charles Pelly Groce

May 1, 1947 - September 14, 2025

Charles Pelly Groce of Willis, Texas, went to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, September 14, 2025. Raised in Willis, Charlie loved his hometown deeply. While in high school, he rode the Greyhound bus from Willis to Houston to attend barber college.

In his early years, he cut hair in several local barbershops; and drove school buses for two local ISD's. Over the years, his shop became gathering places where first haircuts were celebrated, wedding day haircuts were free, and a lifetime of stories were shared. Before he retired, he and Darlene had a successful business, Charles' and Darlene's Barber & Style, in Willis.

A charter member of the Willis Lions Club, Charlie served alongside fellow Lions at countless events, raising funds to provide eyeglasses for neighbors with visual impairments and to help children attend Lions Camp in a safe and supportive environment.

Charlie was known as a hardworking, kind man who radiated joy. He was full of jokes and great stories, and he could whistle bird calls to put children at ease during haircuts. He loved a good meal and thought nothing of driving a long way to share one with people he loved.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 50 years, Cynthia Darlene (Miller) Groce; his daughter Charla (Groce) Newlon and son-in-law Carl Newlon; his son William "Bill" Groce; granddaughters Cassie (Belnoski) Fischer and her spouse Kristina Fischer, and Darcy (Groce) Smith and her spouse Trevor Smith; and his 8-month-old great-granddaughter Luella Smith. He is also survived by his sisters Ellen Ann Page and her spouse Don W. Page, Debbie Gilley and her spouse Wendell Gilley; sister-in-law Joy Groce; brother-in-law Richard Miller and his spouse Lisa Miller; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Andrew Groce and mother, Vera Sally (Taylor) Groce, daughter-in-law Vickie (Overton) Groce; brothers Billy Joe Groce, Edgar J. "Bubba" Groce, and infant twins Ray and Roy Groce; and sister Evelyn J. Johnston.

Family and friends are invited to honor Charlie's life at a Memorial Service on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Church, 503 W Marlin St, Willis, TX 77378. Pastor Joseph Bogue will officiate. Cremation is under the direction of McNutt Funeral Home.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Dorothy's House Assisted Living and Compassus Hospice for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his name to Grace Church, 503 W Marlin St, Willis, TX 77378.