William Joseph Groce, 73, of rural Columbia City, died unexpectedly at 7:39 p.m. Friday, March 5, 2021 Thursday at his home. He had been in declining health.

He was born June 18, 1947, in Fayette County, Indiana, a son of the late Anderson O. and Norma Jean (Lockwood) Groce. Growing up in Connersville, he completed elementary school and attended Connersville High School.

On September 6, 1964, he married Shannon A. Allard. They made their first home in Connersville, moving to Columbia City in 1967. Shannon died on November 1, 2000.

A career-long employee with Weatherhead, Columbia City, he continued with the company through their ownership changes to Dana then CF Goma. Toward the end of his work career, he had transferred with CF Goma to Jacksonville, FL. In 2006, he retired with 39 years of service and returned to Columbia City.

In his retirement, his focus became his children and grandchildren, who he adored. He enjoyed riding his golf cart around his property. An avid gun collector, in hunting season, he liked to hunt deer or the occasional squirrel. He found relaxation in leisurely drives throughout the area, unaware of the hurried pace of those around him. Known to be ornery, he took pride in his light-hearted aggravation. In his younger years, he was a talented dancer, loved to play baseball and ride horses.

Surviving are his children, Anderson O. "Andy" (Julia) Groce, Laura J. (Terry) Meehan, Mathew S. (Tami) Groce, Tricia D. (Kim Schinbeckler) Hively, and Saree A. (Mike) Bolinger, all of Columbia City; 19 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and a brother, Charles A. (Judy) Groce of Brookville, IN.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by his sister, Jayne Vaughn; a son-in-law, Charles Wilson; and a grandchild, Ethan Dellinger.

The visitation is 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial will be at a later date next to his wife Shannon at the South Whitley Cemetery.

Memorials in Bill's honor are to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.