Jessie "JR" Groce

Jessie “JR” Groce, 71, of New Castle, passed away Saturday, February 17, 2018 in IU Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie while surrounded by his family. This was due to a brief battle with cancer. His family is thankful that someone else will be able to see the world due to Jessie being an eye donor. He was born December 27, 1946 in Albany, KY, a son of the late Jessie and Patsy (Cross) Groce.

Jessie retired from Chrysler Corporation in New Castle following many years of service. He and his wife owned and operated Barb’s All American Family Restaurant and JR’s Pizza Parlor in New Castle. Music was his passion, and he was lead singer in his band, “JR and the Expressions” for many years. He also enjoyed fishing and spending time with his children and grandchildren, but his great grandchildren were extra special to him.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his childhood sweetheart and wife of nearly 56 years, whom he married on May 14, 1962, Barbara Groce of New Castle; three children, Teresa (Eddie) Pierce, Jim (Beverly) Groce, and Stacey (Chad) Whitehead, all of New Castle; eight grandchildren, Eddie Pierce (Derek Smith), Josh (Alicia) Groce, Matthew Pierce, Lacee (Dustin) Lanzer, Jessie Cowan (William Moore), Shelby (Brandon) Hall, Kacee (Brandon) Wolfe, and Chase Whitehead; seven great grandchildren; a brother, Doug Groce of Albany, KY; an aunt, Lida Sullivan of New Castle, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by several half brothers and sisters.

Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with his grandson, Josh Groce officiating. Burial will follow at Green Hills Memory Gardens. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at the funeral home and an hour before the service on Thursday. You may share a condolence or memory of JR at www.hinsey-brown.com .