Deacon William "Buddy" Groomes

— A LIFE WELL LIVED —
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every
purpose under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

A TIME TO BE BORN:  William Groomes was the second son of Mr. James and Mrs. Blonnell Groomes.  He was born on November 3, 1942, in Early County, Georgia.

A TIME TO PLANT:  William attended the public schools of Early County.  Being born in a Christian home, he accepted JESUS CHRIST as his Personal SAVIOR and joined Saint James Missionary Baptist Church, where he was later ordained as Deacon.  He was a skilled carpenter who loved to build and repair things around the church.

A TIME TO LOVE:  In 1962, Deacon Groomes met and married Mary L. A. Isom.  This union was blessed with two wonderful children, Thomas Bernard Groomes and Wilma Letitia Groomes.  He loved his family and promoted family unity at all times.  He was affectionately known as “Uncle Buddy” to his many nieces and nephews and would do anything possible to assist any member of his family when called upon.

A TIME TO SERVE:  Deacon Groomes was a true workaholic.  He gave of his service to his community as a farmer and a laborer at the Plywood Mill at Cedar Springs, Georgia, until he retired after thirty years of employment.  However, he never retired from work at his beloved church (Saint James) or his community as a farmer.  There was always a garden growing at the Groomes’ residence, and he loved to share.

A TIME TO DIE:  Deacon Groomes fought a good fight.  He kept the faith and finished his course.  He understood and knew that man has an appointed time to die, and he knew that death is the golden key that opens the door to eternity.  He departed his earthly life on Wednesday, October 28, 2020.  Preceding him in death were his parents, his brother James, and several aunts and uncles.

A TIME TO MOURN:  “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).  Left to mourn his demise and cherish his memory are his wife of fifty-eight years, Mary Groomes; son, Thomas B. Groomes (Maytress); daughter, Wilma G. Thompson (Donnie); five grandchildren: Todd, Quinton, Aniyah, Shonn, and  Shonna; godson, Jerraud; five sisters:  Augustine Nobles (Willie), Jeweltine Groomes, Calvine Rollins (Winston), Blonnie Freeman, and Betty Carr; brother, Reverend Arthur Groomes (Cindy); aunt, Helen Jefferson (Jeremiah); three sisters-in-law: Lillian Roberts, Beverly Coffey, and Dorothy Brown (Amos); brother-in-law,  Richard Isom (Gwellda); and several nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowing friends.

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