Sweeny, Texas – Charles Tillman Groce, Jr. went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, December 9,2008. He was born December 19, 1940 in Fort Worth, TX to Charles Tillman Groce, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Hill Groce. He attended Eagle Mountain Elementary School, J.P. Elder Middle School and graduated from Northside High School in 1960. Shortly after graduation he entered the U.S. Army. He did basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas. While completing his training at Fort Knox Kentucky, he met is wife, Rebecca Ann Dye who was a WAC with the Army Corp. Stationed in Fort Hood where he served in the 49th Armored Division, he graduated from Texas A & I. Following college he returned to Fort Worth where he worked on diesel engines using skills he acquired working on tanks for the Army. Eventually, he fell in love with the Texas coast where he realized his dream of coastal living and commercial fishing. Many thanks to Pastor Mike Zimmerman of First Baptist Church, Bay City and Mr. Tom Uher for their care and guidance.

Survivors: Wife, Rebecca Groce of Wadsworth, Son Charles Tillman Groce, III and his wife Odelia of Riviera, Jack Edward Groce and his wife Susan of Wharton, Brian Kelly Groce and his wife Heather of Wadsworth; brothers John M. Groce, James W. Groce, Gaylen L. Groce, Thomas H. Groce, Timothy S. Groce, Noel C. Groce, Robert E. Groce all of Fort Worth, Ewin P. Groce of Lake Forest, Calif.; sisters, Mary Charolotte Groce Byrne of Kennebunk, Maine, Jettie Charolyn Groce Eddleman and Nancy Virginia Groce Holm both of Fort Worth; eight grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Charles Tillman Groce, Sr. and mother Mary Elizabeth Hill Groce; brothers William B. Groce and Jack L. Groce.

The family will receive visitors on Sunday, December 14th, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, December 15, 2008 at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck, TX with Rev. Michael Zimmerman officiating.

Memorials: in lieu of flowers, donation may be made in his name to First Baptist Church of Bay City or to Gideon's International.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.taylorbros.net.

Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, TX (979) 245-4613.