Robert “Ronnie Boy” Loren Groce of Beauregard was born on Nov. 23, 1943, in Tuskegee, Alabama and passed away in Opelika,  on Feb. 14, 2022. He was 78 years old.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his father, Robert Lester Groce; mother, Leila Rube Lawson Sistrunk; step-father, Joe “Papa Joe” Sistrunk; grandson, Nathaniel Robert Groce.

Ronnie is survived by his wife, Rebecca Ann Groce; daughters, Sherri Cash, Terri Allen (Eric); son, Robert Groce (Amanda); grandchildren, Tara Bryan (Andrew), Kayla Cash (Justin Oliver), Derek Allen (Kaela), Loren Groce, Kyle Cash, Alysa Nettles, Leila Grace Cash, Catherine Groce, and William Groce; great grandchildren, Blaine Bryan, Annabelle Allen, Roman Bryan, Levi Allen; siblings, Wayne Sistrunk (Melissa), Stanley Sistrunk, Carol Callaway (Pat), and a slew of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ronnie Boy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Ronnie had many different names and nicknames. He was Ronnie Boy to Becky, Pawpaw to his grandchildren, Pop to his great grandchildren. Ronnie was a long-haul trucker for nearly 50 years. He told stories of his work over the road and things he’d seen all over the country. He brought state flags and trinkets home to his children from each different state he visited. This is when he discovered his love of collectibles and antiques. One of his favorite things to do was to spend time with Becky and his family. He and Becky loved taking trips to the mountains. He’d be sure to take his prized antiques with him so he could trade up for the next best thing. Ronnie enjoyed the more adventurous cuisine when they went on vacation.

He was a devout Christian who spoke often about the love, grace and forgiveness of the Lord. Ronnie was a deacon for several years. He would give anyone in need the button-down plaid shirt right off his back. There was rarely a time when Ronnie didn’t have a joke to tell. He sought out opportunities to make everyone laugh every chance he got.

Ronnie got a smart phone and even a computer. He learned how to text and use Facebook. On Facebook he became virtual “friends” with all his family and real-life friends. He would keep up with their lives online. Ronnie regularly commented on posts using emojis and gifs, especially the deer and chicken variety. Another one of Ronnie’s favorite pass-times was shooting the breeze at K&B Oil Supply on 1st Avenue. He’d spend hours talking and joking with his friends and fellow truck drivers. Ronnie will be dearly missed by many people.

Visitation was held on Friday, Feb. 18, at the Lakeside Church of God in Opelika and the funeral service was at 11 a.m. with Pastor Vance McCollum officiating. Interment followed at Pierce Chapel Cemetery.