Retired Staff Sgt. Robert Allen Grooms

Sergeant Robert Allen Grooms departed his life on March 8, 2018 at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.  He was born to Raymond and Arlene Davis Grooms on March 4, 1931 in Republic, PA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Arlene Grooms; his siblings, Raymond, Clarence, Emma, Richard, Arlene and Eugene; a son, Calvin Grooms; and a daughter, Annie Grooms.

Left to cherish his memory is his companion, Clyda Bryant of the home; sons, Robert Grooms, Jr. of Warren, OH and Robert S. Grooms (Sherry) of Fayetteville; a daughter, Sharon Grooms (Charles Park) of Durham; two foster children, Roscoe Hotten (Shirley) and Pamela Robinson, both of Fayetteville; grandchildren, Errol McCauley, Jr and Jerrell Hendricks; siblings, Ronald Grooms (Mary) of Fayetteville, Ralph Grooms (Virginia) of Albuerque, NM, Betty White of Uniontown, PA, Edward Grooms (Mary) of Detroit, MI, Ann McWilliams of Cleveland, OH, Victory Hogan of Kokomo, IN, Linda Thorpe of Raleigh, Sharon Wadlington of Indianapolis, IN and Carver Grooms (Rita) of Riverside, OH; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was baptized at an early age and was member of Mount Ararat Baptist Church in Cordale, PA.

Sgt. Grooms also served 20 years in the US Army as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airbourne until his retirement.  He then dedicated another 20 years to the Cumberland County Sheriff Department, and was the first black officer assigned to the Motorcycle squad.  After retiring from the force, he continued to be to be active in helping others as a bagger at the Ft. Bragg Commissary until his health declined.

Sgt. Grooms was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 202 of Fayetteville and a lifetime member of the VFW Post 6018 of Fayetteville.  In his early years he was a member of the Magnificent 7+ Motorcycle Club of Fayetteville.

There was never a dull moment for Sgt. Robert Grooms and he was happy and loved having fun with his Senior Swing Dance Class, despite being the oldest member.

A funeral service with full military honors will be held at 11 am Saturday, March 17, 2018 in Rogers and Breece Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in Cumberland Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6 pm to 8 pm Friday, March 16, 2018 at the funeral home.

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