Mr. Phillip Kay Groce of Albany, Kentucky passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at his home in Albany, Kentucky having attained the age of 77 years, 11 months, and 28 days. He was born in Albany, Kentucky on Wednesday, February 18, 1948, the son of Charlie Odell & Betrice Mae (Pharris) Groce.

He was of the Christian faith, a Master Mason of the Albany Masonic Lodge F&AM #206, and a member of First Baptist Church of Albany. A proud graduate of Clinton County High School, Class of 1966, he continued his education at Western Kentucky University, laying the foundation for a lifetime of hard work and service. He was a skilled and dedicated electrician, owning and operating Phillip’s Electrical Service as a self-employed businessman. Later he shared his knowledge and experience by both attending and teaching at the vocational school until his retirement.

Phillip appreciated quality tools and good conversation. He loved people and never met a stranger. He could spend countless hours whittling a good piece of split cedar while watching  the traffic pass by at Quality Express. He loved getting up early and going to a flea market or a yard-sale in search of a good bargain.

He loved fishing regardless if the fish were biting. He adored being a Poppie. He appreciated a good chew of King B Twist, and we were sure glad he did when the wasps were around. Phillip appreciated a good trade on a pocket watch or a pocketknife. Phillip knew the value of his own father’s wisdom. He appreciated the simple elegance of a three-way switch. He loved a good Western. He appreciated a Saturday morning at Calvin Kennett’s and he always looked forward to catching up with an old friend.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Laura Alice (Delk) Groce, whom he wed on Friday, June 28, 1974, and infant brother, Charles Anthony Groce.

He is survived by his children, Jennifer (& Justin) Moore, Sarah (& Mark) Neal; sister, Shelia Groce; sister-in-law, Nancy McCollough; brother-in-law, Jim (& Debbie) Delk; grandchildren, Lucas Brown, and Alex Neal, all of Albany, Kentucky; nieces & nephews, Allison (& Allen) Spears, Erin Michelle (& John) Sellers, Shelby Delk, Ethridge Delk; aunts, Jean Thrasher of Albany, Kentucky, and Lois Ann (& Tom) Kemp of Lexington, Kentucky.

The funeral service was conducted on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 1:00 pm CST in the Memory Chapel of Campbell-New Funeral Home with Bro. Jeff Brown officiating. Casket bearers were Lucas Brown, Alex Neal, Allen Spears, Wayne Craft, Jim Delk, and Etheridge Delk. Honorary casket bearers were Donald Neal and Jimmy Moore.

Burial was in the Peolia Cemetery in Clinton County, Kentucky. In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated to the Peolia Cemetery, PO Box 8 Albany, Kentucky, or the Hospice of Lake Cumberland, 100 Parkway Drive, Somerset, KY 42503.

Campbell-New Funeral Home of Albany, Kentucky was honored to be in charge of all the arrangements. Online condolences at campbell-new.com