Larry Odell Groce

Larry Odell Groce, 77, of Waverly, passed peacefully at his home on Friday, May 24, 2024 with family at his side.  He was born in Burksville, Kentucky on March 31, 1947 to the late Clura Odell Groce and Mary Dean (Hager) Groce.

He graduated from New Castle High School with the class of 1965.  He attended Ball State University and IUPUI.  In 1967, he joined the United States Army and served his country honorably in Vietnam as a member of the Screaming Eagles Paratroopers from the 101st Airborne.  He did receive several accolades during his time in the service including a bronze star.   When he completed his duty and returned home, he went to work for Indiana Bell (which changed to Ameritech and is now AT&T) where he worked in various positions including management.  Larry retired in 1999 after 32 years of service.  He also owned and operated Artisan Builders and Custom Wood Working LLC.  He was a member of the Great Hope Separate Baptist Church in Franklin.

Larry was a talented woodworker and carpenter.  An avid animal lover, he was not a cat or a dog guy.  He was both!  Larry enjoyed boating on Lake Cumberland, riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle, camping, college basketball, and vintage cars.  Most importantly, he found great joy in time spent with his family.  No matter what the activity, Larry relished the quality time spent with his children and grandchildren.

He will be missed and fondly remembered by many including his sons, John (wife, Allison) Groce of Richfield, Ohio and David (wife, Stephanie) Groce of Danville; daughter, Kimberly Groce (husband, Alan Niederman) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; grandchildren, Devann Taylor, Luke Short, Conner Groce, Garrett Groce, Taylor Short, Cole Short, Beau Short, Camden Groce, and Cate Groce; great grandchild, Weston Short; beloved dog, Hank; grand dogs, Lupa and Gemma; and grand cat, Icey.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mary, and Clura Groce; wife, Linda Groce; and grand cat, Princess.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Friday, May 31st from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon in the chapel at Carlisle-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory in Mooresville.  Larry’s Life Celebration Service will follow beginning at 12:00 noon at the funeral home.  He will be laid to rest with military honors at 3:00 pm in South Mound Cemetery in New Castle. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center using the following link: https://secure2.convio.net/mskcc/site/TR?px=5375631&fr_id=4085&pg=personal

Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.