Jay Dee Groce

Mr. Jay Dee Groce, 95, of Elkin, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025, at his residence. Jay Dee was born October 6, 1929, in Surry County to Frank and Mary Swaim Groce.

Jay Dee, the oldest member of Elkin Valley Baptist Church, was a man of many passions. He enjoyed working in his vegetable and flower gardens, playing golf, fishing, grouse hunting, and following ACC College Basketball. His love for aviation, airplanes, and air shows was evident, as was his enjoyment of hiking. He always patiently awaited the arrival of the Purple Martins Birds in early February. But above all, his heart belonged to his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom he cherished dearly.

He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and retired from Piedmont Airlines of Winston-Salem after 30 years of service.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Roberta Woodruff Groce; his stepmother, Eva Groce; son, Keith Douglas Groce; and a brother, Benny Groce.

Survivors include his son, Kevin Doyle Groce of Elkin; brothers Harry Groce of Franklin Springs, Georgia, and Ricky Groce and wife Sylvia of Concord; sister Frankie Ann Groce Lakey and husband Freddie of Winston-Salem; grandchildren James Matthew Groce, Matthew Blake Groce and wife Julie, Kimberly Groce Blackburn and husband Troy, and Ashley Nicole Groce; and great-grandchildren Nathan Groce, Weston Groce, Adelyn Groce, Carter Blackburn, Sawyer Blackburn, Emrie Blackburn.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Elkin Valley Baptist Church, with Dr. Johnny Blevins and Dr. Steven Robbins officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. prior to the service. Inurnment will follow at Elkin Valley Baptist Church Cemetery.