On September 8, 1961, when God entrusted Louis to the
world, a beautiful story began, one filled with love, laughter, and
continuous devotion. Born to Julius Groce and Fannie Bell Weed
Groce, Louis was truly a gift whose presence forever changed the
hearts of those who knew him. Gentle in spirit and boundless in
kindness, he possessed a heart of gold with no limits. He loved his
family wholeheartedly, asking for nothing in return, and carried a
smile that endured regardless of life’s challenges.
At an early age, Louis accepted Christ into his life. After
marrying Stephanie, he worshiped alongside her at Damascus
Baptist Church, Fellowship Baptist Church, and Grace Bible Church
under the leadership of Pastor Tim, before becoming a devoted
member of Saint Mary Baptist Church in Lincoln, Alabama. A God-
fearing and faithful man, Louis lived out his beliefs daily and was
an awesome father whose love and guidance shaped his family.
He attended school in Talladega County and in Lincoln,
Alabama. Louis worked for Mr. Bill & Kelly Love on properties,
Union Foundry in Anniston, AL, TCI of Alabama in Pell City and BMW in Alexandria, AL and
worked for contractors as a painter, plumber, yard worker. It was
nothing he wouldn’t do.
Louis was one of the kindest people you could ever meet,
yet strong enough to stand his ground when necessary. He was
a wonderful husband, the very best “Papa,” and a friend to all,
while always making others happy and keeping laughter alive
wherever he was.
Louis loved sports and was known by many through his time
playing with the Space Cowboys, where he proudly wore #18.
His nickname became just another reflection of his vibrant spirit.
Later, he became known as “Blade.” Always willing to lend a
hand, he helped with the children, did odd jobs, and approached
everything with a smile and a joke. He loved having fun especially
at cookouts, music, good food, and sharing time with others
wherever he went.
On January 19, 2026, the story of his life paused in a sacred
way, leaving behind a space that can never be filled, but cherished.
A best friend with a heart of gold, Louis will truly be missed. He
was preceded in death by Betty Kirksey, Shirley George, Jerry Lee
Groce, Jeffery Groce, and Dollie Mae Groce.
Louis leaves behind his loving wife, Stephanie Groce; adopted
grandchild, Myrakel Hunter; sons, Shelton (Tiffany) Sims,
Demetrius (Keela) Sims, Steven (Brittany) Sims; mother, Daisy
Truss; sisters, Rosie Kirksey and April (Eddie) Groce; brothers,
Julius Groce, Lovell Groce, Larry Groce, Kenny Groce and Thomas
Groce; aunt, Emma Jean; uncles, Jerry Lee Groce and James
Smitherman; in-laws, Efrem Smitherman, Deborah Prier, Linda
Luker, Mary Britton, Charlotte Groce, Loretta Marie; special
friends, Corey Miller, Leon Fomby, Wayne Chandler, Bill Kelly
Love, Pastor Tim, Mr. Jim and Susan Todd; friends, Danny Truss
and Shane Howze; a host of other family members and friends.
In person condolences & viewing of Mr. Louis Groce will be 12-6pm, Thursday, January 29,2026 in the Chapel of West Gadsden Funeral Home.
Celebration of life services will be 1:00 pm Friday, January 30, 2026 at the Pine Grove Baptist Church, 500 Drew Ave, Lincoln, Al. Burial in the Adjoining Cemetery.
Premiere Provider of Professional Funeral Services:
West Gadsden Funeral Home, Inc. 256.549.0004
Send flowers to the service of Louis Groce
Our Deepest condolences in these Trying times Praying 🙏🏾 for Family & Friends
Sorry to the family for their loss... praying for everyone.
My Condolences to the Family on their loss. 🙏 🪦 RIP Louis my Friend
My deepest condolences to my family. Praying for the entire family I Love each and everyone of you. May Louis rest in peace.
RIP Lynette Hill and Annette Chatman
The Miller family is sending condolences to the families
My friend, You finished your assignment here on this side. Peace!!!
Stephanie, our deepest condolences for your loss. I hate that I can't be there with you but please know you are always in our hearts. Please know we are just a phone call away. We love you. GOD BLESS YOU.
Rest In Peace Classmate!
May God comfort and strengthen the family during this difficult time.
PRAYERS AND CONDOLENCES TO YOU SISTER & TO THE REST THE FAMILIES 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽💖 BROTHER-IN-LAW....THIS HIT HARD MAN.....WE WAS ALL JUST LAUGHING THE DAY BEFORE,WHEN I WAS ON THE PHONE WITH STEP......YOU WAS CRACKING JOKES 😢😢😢 WE WAS NOT READY FOR THIS ONE AND NEVER WILL BE.....YOU WILL DEFINITELY BE LOVED AND MISSED.....NO ONE KNEW WHAT YOU WAS GOING THROUGH....BUT WE KNEW.....WHEN YOU HURT....MY SISTER HURT....WHEN MY SISTER HURT, WE HURT.....SO WE ALL WAS GOING THROUGH IT WITH YOU....GOD PULLED YOU ON HOME ,SO THAT HURT WOULD BE HEALED......AND HE WILL HEAL MY SISTER ,MIND SOUL AND BODY AS WELL AND GIVE HER THE PEACE THAT SHE NEEDS TO ENDURE....THE RACE IS NOT GIVEN TO THE SWIFT ,BUT TO THE ONES WHO CAN ENDURE TO THE END....18 YOU DID THAT TEN TOES DOWN.....A MIGHTY STRONG WARRIOR!!!.....THAT WAS YOU LOUIS....YOU TAKE YOUR REST UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN YOUR WIFE WILL BE JUST FINE.....EVEN THOUGH SHE WILL CONTINUE LOVING & MISSING YOU....SHE WILL BE AT PEACE KNOWING THAT YOU ARE FREE AND IN NO PAIN AND IS SAFE IN HIS ARMS.....WE LOVE YOU ALL....THE SMITHERMAN,BRITTON,LUKER,PRIER,BYNUM &RAGLAND FAMILIES 😇🌹🎈🌹🎈😘🙏🏽💞💖💞
We are saddened by the passing of our friend but know we will be with him in eternity. We love you sister.
My condolences to the family. The Class of 1980
Sincere condolences and prayers to the Groce family.
Sending you my deepest condolences to the family of Louis Groce may God comfort you in this difficult time.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.