I SAID, "OH, THAT I HAD THE WINGS OF A DOVE!
I WOULD FLY AWAY AND BE AT REST." PSALM 55:6

Howard Linwood Grooms, Sr. , 63, departed this life on Sunday, February 17, 2019 at University of Virginia Medical Center. Howard was born on September 16, 1955 in Louisa, Virginia. He is the son of Fannie Taliaferro Grooms and the late Harry "Matthew" Grooms.

Howard attended Louisa County Public Schools where he was a star athlete earning numerous awards and setting many records. After graduation from high school, Howard joined the United States Army where he proudly served six years.

Howard had a love for cars. He not only had a love for cars, he loved to work on them as well. He could fix (or tell you how to fix) just about any vehicle! He was a mechanic by trade and received formal diesel mechanic training from Western Branch Diesel. He also enjoyed drag racing and hunting. Howard loved his family and most of all he loved spending time with his grandkids.

Howard was preceded in death by his father, Harry "Matthew" Grooms. He leaves to cherish his memories a devoted and loving wife of 42 years, Louise Bowles Grooms; four children, Payton Dickerson and Belita Shelton both of Louisa, VA, Howard Jr., (Vernice) of Esmont, VA and Matthew (Shonte') of Palmyra, VA; six grandchildren, Cameren, Courtney, Corey, Gloryia-Grace, Josiah-Isiah and Jo'Cinna-Neriah; his beloved mother, Fannie of Louisa, VA; three siblings, Joyce (Rick) of Charlottesville, VA, Irvin (Pat) of Orlando, FL and Marvin (Holly) of Louisa, VA; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, other family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held noon Saturday, February 23, 2019 at White Rock Baptist Church 1996 Thomas Nelson Highway Arrington, Virginia 22922 with Pastor Victor L. Williams, officiating and Pastor Howard L. Grooms, Jr., eulogist. Burial, with military honors, will follow in the church cemetery.