Van Ray Groce, Sr.
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Van Ray Groce, Sr., age 83, passed away at home on October 23, 2021.
He was born October 7, 1938 to John Marvin and Beulah Rosser Groce in Sanford, Lee County, North Carolina. He attended Sanford Central High School, the University of North Carolina and was a lifelong Tarheel fan. Van also served in the National Guard.
For over 52 years Van developed land, built commercial properties, and built homes for families in the Sanford area. He was instrumental in the development of numerous residential neighborhoods in Lee and Harnett counties. He especially enjoyed designing homes to meet a family's specific needs and was a visionary in everything he touched.
Van loved spending time with his family and being PaPa to his nine grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling domestically and internationally and learning about different cultures and architecture.
A respected and generous member of his community, Van served as past president of the Sanford Area Home Builders Association, chaired the Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build, and served as Lee County Commissioner 1995-1996. As a member of Jonesboro United Methodist Church, he taught Sunday School, formerly served as Finance Chair and was instrumental in the building of the Wesley Center.
Van is survived by his wife of 25 years, Sandy Perry; son, Van Groce, Jr and wife, Debra, of Sanford; daughter, Melanie Shores and husband, Bruce, of Greensboro; step-daughter, Mindi Bassetti and husband, Steve, of Cincinnati; step-son, Brad Fauss and wife, Margaret, of Atlanta; grandchildren, Will and Nolan Groce, Hudson and Jake Shores, Kaylin and Olivia Bassetti, Sydney, Zack and Geoff Fauss; sister, Kathryn Waters; and former spouse, Peggy Groce.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Johnny Groce.
A celebration of life service will be held Sunday, November 7 at 2:00 pm at Jonesboro United Methodist Church, 407 W. Main Street, Sanford, NC 27332. Visitation following in the Wesley Center. Please wear masks.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Jonesboro United Methodist Church www.jonesboroumc.org or the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org).