John O. Grooms Jr.
March 12, 1957 ~ June 13, 2014
John O. Grooms Jr., age 57, of Somerset, Kentucky (formerly of Mooresville), passed away on Friday, June 13, 2014, in the Philippines. He was born on March 12, 1957 in Marion County to the late John Sr. and Josephine Byroad Grooms.
John provided for his family by serving in the Army, retiring as an E-7 Sergeant 1st Class after 30 years of service. After which he worked for private international contracting companies traveling to Afghanistan for two years and transitioning to Saudi Arabia. He was a man with a strong work ethic who was always traveling for work. In his free moments back home he was always working on a motor in his garage or fishing with his children and grandchildren on his pond. He will be missed by many.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Donna Black Matthews.
His is survived by his wife, Sarah Elizabeth Grooms of Somerset KY, his children; Melissa Jo Horton, Juanita Belle Ruffino, Emily Kathryn Dittemore, and Erica Ann Madson; step-children, Kenneth Willard and Laura Willard; half-brothers, Conrad Black, Jr. (Betty), Dan Black (Sheila), Miller “Mick” Wampler (Loretta); half-sister, Frances Wampler Lucas (Bill); ten grandchildren.
A gathering of family and friends will take place on Wednesday, July 2, 2014, 10 a.m. until 12 Noon, in the Carlisle - Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville. A graveside service will begin at 12:30 p.m., in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, Greenwood. Visit www.carlislebranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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I offer my condolence at the loss of Mr. John Grooms. I have had the privilege of working along side this wonderful man for the past two years. He was a great American who worked hard and loved his country. He met each morning with a can do smile and was such a dedicated force in his position as chief supervisor for our automotive maintenance organization. I miss him dearly and share in the grief of his family.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful words; it means for than you will ever know. My dad dedicated his life to the military so I’m not surprised that he was good at his job. He was a very hard worker and I agree with you that he loved his country. He would want you to pass on that can do smile and attitude to someone else as he has you. Thank you for your service, stay safe and I pray you can return home safely.
Emily De Lara sent a virtual gift in memory of John O. Grooms Jr.
Prayers and thoughts to John Jr.s’ family and friends ! With fond memories, half sister , Prenciss Diann Grooms Russell and sons.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. We truly appreciate it.
To the John Jr. Grooms Family. So sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace. Deepest Sympathy, Rachel Grooms and Families
Thank you for your sympathy in this time.
Prayers for the family. RIP John
Thank you for your prayers.
My thoughts and prayers for John’s family. John was a good friend throughout high school. I have many fond memories of our Junior and Senior year. Thank you John for 30 years of serving our country. My condolences to your entire family. Love, Jill Hummel Carter
Sarah, John’s Beloved Wife, ‘My heart goes out to you during this difficult loss, I cannot imagine what you are going through and how difficult this all must be for you. The last time I visited you and John at your family farm, a very few months ago, John seemed so anxious to be back home on permanent terms to continue your loving life together for the rest of both of your lives. The happiness certainly did show in John’s words, of his love for you my dear friend.’ My prayer’s and condolences to you and your family of this untimely death. Your friend, Janice Dye Somerset, Ky.
It was very sudden and we are all dealing with this the best we can. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
John Grooms was one of the hardest working Supervisors in Vinnell Arabia. He was loyal, dedicated and always made mission even when faced with what appeared to be impossible. He was a soldier and military man to the core – a remarkable person respected by all. We will all miss him for years to come and our souls will cry tears until we join him in heaven. Very Respectfully, LTC (Ret.) John C. Brackett
Thank you so much for your thoughtful words.
Thank you for your service!
We’re very sorry for your loss. John Jr. was a good man and will be missed. Tracy & Angie Loudermilk
He will be missed. Thank you for your condolences.
Thank you so much for sharing this picture. The background speaks volumes to my heart.
I am sorry for your family’s lost and very proud to know John served his county for so many years. The things I remember most about him are. The old yellow-green truck, his motorcycle, his dog with those ghostly eyes and and his wrestling meets. May God bless you and his family. Pamela (Carter) Schulz