Supporting families and our community.
Why We Support the Asheville Butterfly Trail
We are a family who lives here, loves here, and has served here for generations. Through the most difficult moments of life, we’ve had the honor of walking alongside Asheville families — offering comfort, dignity, and care when it’s needed most.
Our roots in this community run deep, and our love for Asheville is part of everything we do. That’s why we are proud to support the Asheville Butterfly Trail, a meaningful way to honor loved ones while giving back to the place we all call home.
A Tribute That Lives On
Butterflies have long symbolized transformation, renewal, and remembrance. Through the Asheville Butterfly Trail — a project of Bee City USA – Asheville — families can make memorial donations that support the creation of stunning public butterfly stations planted throughout Buncombe County. The trail continues to grow across Asheville and surrounding communities — connecting neighborhoods, schools, parks, and greenways with beauty, purpose, and hope.
Why We Chose This Cause
We believe a life well lived should leave behind more than memories — it should leave behind something beautiful. Supporting the Asheville Butterfly Trail allows us to offer families a way to honor their loved ones while contributing to the long-term health and beauty of our community.
It’s a way to say goodbye — and give back.
Our Founders ~ Our Mentors ~ Our Inspiration
The Reverend T.A. Groce
09/22/1878 – 08/28/1962
J. Robert “Bob” Groce
07/29/1900 – 05/02/1985
Bob began his career with First Union Bank, but after serving in the Army during WW II he joined his brothers and worked as the office manager and Treasurer of the funeral home. A lifelong bachelor, he was active with the Lions Club, Masons and Shriners, and was meticulous in balancing the company books daily.
Willis H. “Bill” Groce, Sr.
09/02/1911 – 11/08/1991
In the 1940’s and 50’s Bill would wear formal long-tailed suit coats and striped pants on his funerals, while staff had matching striped slacks and short coats to match his long one. He was at his best managing high-profile services and yet he found time to serve as elected president of the N.C Funeral Directors’ Association and later as NC appointed Chairman of our licensing agency in Raleigh, The N.C. Board of Funeral Service. He and his late wife, Mary Dale Groce were parents to Joan Groce Jones (Skip). Dale Groce (Terrie) and W.H. “Bill” Groce, Jr. (Rhoda).
Fred F. Groce, Sr.
07/11/1914 – 07/20/2004
Fred probably served more families than any of the brothers; he was the most extroverted and enjoyed mingling, church picnics and suppers, the Jaycees, and the Candler Lions Club. He was a charter member of Abernethy United Methodist Church where he served on practically every committee and board except perhaps the WMU. He served as a field medic with the Army during WW II and he and his late wife, June Barger Groce had four children, Fred F. Groce, Jr., Laura Groce, Martha Lee Groce and John Groce.
Hugh Wood Groce
09/14/1916 – 06/10/2013
Hugh was the man who always had a friendly word for any office visitor as well as staff members. He also had a remarkable memory and if you needed to be reminded of an appointment or duty some time in the future, we just asked Hugh, and on the appointed day and time he would be sure to remind us. Like Bob, he was a bachelor and they shared the family home on Tampa Avenue just across the street from the funeral home office.
I had no plans at all! From the first call to Dale Groce, letting him know of Jerry's passing, he was at Carepartners Solace in 20 mins. He was greeting everyone, and his compassionate nature was overflowing!! He said they would be there, no rush to plan, just to let him know when we were ready. That made the whole process for us to plan just open up. We met, planned as Dale's professionalism was evident from the start. He listened as we talked, taking notes, and asked us to tell him about Jerry. Dale Groce and his staff were Amazing!! They helped us turn a very sad situation into a wonderful celebration of Life. We are forever grateful for Groce Funeral Home. 10 isn't high enough!