John Paul Grooms, Sr, 85, of Wilmington, formerly of Fayetteville, died Thursday October 6, 2011 at Davis Health Care Center in Wilmington N.C. He was born March 17, 1926 in Cumberland County, a son of the late Manley and Lula King Grooms. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Ola R. Grooms, beloved son John Paul "Buddy" Grooms, Jr, brothers Roy Grooms, Nash Grooms, Howard Grooms, Gene Grooms and sister Ada G. Jones After graduation from Hope Mills High School, he joined the U.S. Army and served during World War II, earning the rank of Sergeant and earning the Bronze Star. Upon honorable discharge, he continued his career in Civil Service as Budget and Management Analyst and retired after 35 years of service. He continued to be active as Chairman of the Board of a large volunteer fire department in Fayetteville where he served for 30 years. He was a member of the Sudan Shrine Temple, Masonic Lodge and Order of the Eastern Star. He is survived by his daughters, Beth Stanton and husband Bill of Wilmington, N.C. and Faye Hamm and husband Bill of Burgaw, N.C. three grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Also surviving are, Stacy Grooms of Fayetteville, Charles Grooms of Fayetteville , and Murray Grooms of Rocky Mount; sisters, Elizabeth Melvin, Lucille Black, Joyce Coleman, Sue Cain, all of Fayetteville, and Ernestine Cox of Washington, NC. A funeral service will be held at 2:00PM, Saturday October 8, with visitation at 1:00PM in the church sanctuary, at Camp Ground United Methodist Church, Camp Ground Road Fayetteville, N.C. with the Revs. David C. Wade and Haywood Smith officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Camp Ground United Methodist Church, 4625 Camp Ground Road, Fayetteville, N.C. 28314