Jesse Grooms

Jesse Claude Grooms, 92, of Fernandina Beach, Florida, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2020.   He was born September 1, 1927 in Folkston, Georgia to the late Ralph Waldo Grooms and Mary E. Robinson Grooms.  Claude was one of six children.

Claude joined the Marines after high school and proudly served his country during World War II. After the war, Claude returned to Florida where he married the love of his life, Netha Dean (Smith) Grooms.  Claude and Netha had one daughter, Laurie Grooms McCollough.  Claude worked for Rayonier Advanced Materials, Gillman Paper Company, and retired from Owens-Illinois Paper Company (Orange, TX).

Claude retired young and he and Netha enjoyed spending time with family, beach vacations, and traveling in their motorhome.  Claude was quite the athlete and enjoyed numerous sports including pool, ping pong, tennis, softball, basketball and golf! Claude and Netha would travel near and far to watch Laurie and all their grandchildren play sports. He was also an active member of the Men’s Golf Association in Orange, Texas.

He is proceeded in death by his wife:  Netha Dean Smith Grooms; his mother and father: Ralph Waldo Grooms and Mary Robinson Grooms; his sister: Hazel Grooms Aliffi; and brothers: Ralph, Jr., Ross, Donald, and Billy.

He is survived by his only daughter:  Laurie Grooms McCollough; two grandchildren:  Michelle McCollough Lansford and Marti McCollough; two great grandchildren:  Mandy Lansford and Molly Lansford; brothers: Ronnie Grooms and Larry Grooms; sister: Joann Grooms Stokes; and sister-in-law:  Catherine Smith Johnson.

The family will receive friends and offer visitation at 10:00am on Wednesday, July 22 at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held directly following at 11:00am.  Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Hilliard, FL.

If you prefer, in lieu of flowers, the family also encourages donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in Claude’s memory.

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, GA.