Zachariah Brannon James Groat

Zachariah Brannon James Groat was born February 15, 1994, and died March 10, 2023.

He was only 29 but had suffered with Type 1 diabetes since he was 12. Though he was born in Oklahoma, he lived in Alaska from the ages of 9 to 18. 

Zach is survived by his mother, Heather Faye Furr of Stroud, OK; father, David Groat and wife, Kristal, of Wasilla, AK; three sisters, Montana (with whom he lived), Ariana and K.K; three brothers, Logan, Ethan and Memphis; auntie, Kim Hawkins-Sanders; uncle, David; cousins: Grant, Shelby, Tiffani and Thomas; uncle, Chris Furr and aunt Kat of Edmond, OK, and their three girls, Lillian, Olivia and Eloise; aunt Tina Dosser and her husband, Darrell, of Ninilchik, AK; cousins: John, Andrew, Bonnie, David, Jodi, Kat and James; grandmother, Pat Furr; several nieces; nephews; and he was especially close with his niece, Nevaeh Sage Autry (11 months).

Zach worked his last two years at 7-Eleven in Norman, where he made many friends, that included his co-workers and customers. His family is grateful to his many work friends who helped care for him in dealing with his diabetes. He loved his job and getting to know the customers. 

Zach was kind, compassionate, and very loving. He was always willing to help someone. He would be the one picking up trash when someone littered, helping the elderly, listening to people, and noticing when they needed assistance. He loved attending church with the Sanders’, Montana and Nevaeh. He loved singing in church and was known for singing and dancing in the shower, car, and around the house. Zach loved all types of music. 

Zach was passionate about voting and buying American whenever possible. He loved driving his Honda Accord and he loved pets. He especially loved his grandmother’s dog, Freckles.

Zach was active in the Pride movement and believed Love is Love, and that God loves all his children.

We are devastated Zach is gone and will think of him daily. We know he is in heaven with his baby niece, Arayah Noelle Autry, and Grandmother Helen Groat.

A Celebration of Life is being held at 10:00 AM, March 17, 2023, at McFarlin United Methodist Church, (419 S University Blvd., Norman, OK.) Zach’s family invites all who knew him to share stories, snacks, and rainbow cake. If you have a story about Zach you’d like to tell, we’d love to hear it. Please help us keep his memory alive.

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