Ray Gene Groce, age 89, of Fayetteville, TN, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2017 at Donalson Nursing Home. Gene was born to the late Robert and Lula Groce on November 25, 1927. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Groce; son, Tony Groce (Dianne); daughters Sandra Smith (Jerry) and Teresa Reese; and sister, Peggy Bevels. He was a proud and loving grandfather to seven grandchildren, Nicole Treola (Danny), Kevin Reese (Ashley), Kristopher Smith (Kelly), Jeffrey Groce (Cara), Brandon Groce (Danielle), Bethany Reese, and Mary Beth Goode (Jason) and sixteen great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two of his siblings, Jewell Mcnatt and Glen Groce.

Gene was a partner in Lincoln Paving, LLC and Secretary of Lincoln Road Builders, Inc.. He loved his work and saw incredible growth in the Lincoln County roads over his lifetime. He helped transform Huntsville Highway and Highway 64. Gene continued to inspire others with his work ethic until his last days. He enjoyed his time on the Bank of Lincoln County Board of Directors and on the Lincoln County Board of Public Utilities.

Gene was a member and retired elder of the Mimosa Church of Christ. He loved spending time with his church family and enjoyed watching the growth of his community worship center.

The family will receive friends in celebration of his life on Friday, August 25, 2017 from 5 to 8 PM at Higgins Funeral Home and the funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 10 AM at Higgins Funeral Home. The service will be officiated by Mr. James D. West of Nashville, TN and Mr. Will Martin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or Junior’s House at 704 W. Maple Street, Fayetteville, TN 37334.