Willie "Buddy" Harding Groce, Jr.

Yadkinville — Willie “Buddy” Harding Groce, Jr., 75, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2026. He was born in Yadkin County to the late Willie Harding Groce, Sr. and Etta Mae Keaton Groce. In addition to his parents, Buddy was preceded in death by his baby brother, Daniel, and his sisters, Betty Slater and Dorothy Cornelius.

Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Delphine “Ann” Groce; his three children, Brian (Monica) Groce, Susan (Eric) Wilson, and Brent Groce; six grandchildren, Brandon, Joshua, and Alyssa Groce, Andrew Gebe, Spencer Wilson, and Ethan Groce; his sisters, Shirley Baity, Cindy Potts, Nellie Spann, and Libby Fulk; sister-in-law, Drew Frye and brother-in-law, Wayne Petree. Buddy and Ann shared 57 years of marriage, building a life and family filled with memories, hard work, dedication, and love. Their journey together was a testament to commitment, perseverance, and the enduring bond they shared.

Buddy dearly loved all his family, as well as his church family at Wyo Bible Methodist Church.

Like his father, Buddy was a carpenter by trade. He could fix, build, or invent just about anything, skills that he took great pride in passing down to his beloved sons, Brian and Brent. He was especially proud of their sawmill (that they custom built from the ground up, of course) and could be found on his tractor, working whenever he was able. Fishing was his favorite pastime, and he was a master at creating his own carp bait recipes.

Buddy knew the Lord and trusted in the promise of eternal life. He knew that when his time on this earth came to an end, he would be going home to be with Him. While his family and friends grieve his passing, there is comfort in knowing that his faith carried him through this life and that he was ready to meet his Savior.

Though our hearts are broken, we find peace in knowing this is not goodbye forever.

Thank you, Dad (“Papa” to the grandkids), for everything you taught us, everything you gave us, and everything you were. You will be loved, deeply missed, and remembered for the rest of our days.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Gentry Family Funeral in Yadkinville is serving the Groce family.