In profound sorrow we announce the passing of Mr. Benjamin Grooms. Celebration of Life will be Thursday, July 13, 2023 10:00 am at St. John AME Church 305 W. Campbellton Street Fairburn, GA 30213. Interment will be at Georgia National Cemetery 1080 Scott Hudgens Dr. Canton, GA 30114. Viewing will be Wednesday, July 12, 2023 12 noon-6:00pm at Grissom-Clark Funeral Home. 404-373-3191

Brother Benjamin “Ben” Grooms was born on September 27, 1937, in Cuthbert, Georgia, to the late Fadie and Susie Grooms. He departed this life on July 3, 2023, with his family by his side. The Grooms family moved to Charleston, South Carolina. Benjamin graduated from Bonds Wilson High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force at the age of 17 and served for 22 years specializing in International Intelligence. He was stationed in many countries and became fluent in multiple languages. Ben was employed by General Telephone Electric, now known as Verizon, for 20 years. In 1987, he was in the first class of The Living History Presenters of The Buffalo Solders at Ft. Concho in San Angelo, Texas. He was also an honorary member of The Greater Atlanta Chapter of Buffalo Solders – 9th & 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association in Decatur, Georgia. Ben was a faithful member of St. John AME Church, where he served as president of the Men’s Fellowship, president of the Lay Organization, chair of the Trustee Board, and an all-around willing worker for Christ. He was a devoted member of the Joymen Club, and he was an avid bowler who loved to travel. Ben was married to Bernice Jackson Grooms for 53 wonderful years and brought together a beautiful family. Together, they raised three lovely daughters, Mechelle, Pamela, and Kimberly. He is now reunited in God’s beautiful garden with his father, Fadie Grooms; mother, Susie Grooms; brother, Eddie B. “Buddy” Grooms; sister-in-law, Corine Grooms; and grandson, Tracy Wayne Bowman. He leaves to cherish his memories: loving wife, Bernice Jackson Grooms; caring, generous daughters, Mechelle Grooms Reed (Mitchell), Pamela Joyce Bowman, and Kimberly Denise Grooms; siblings, Alfred Grooms (Rose), Olivia Grooms Holley Cooper (Sam), Press Grooms (Karen), and James White (Mila); dedicated brotherin-law, William “Bill” Jackson, Jr.; grandchildren, Benjamin Anthony Reed, Cory Deshaun Bowman, and Hayley Deonna Reed; and six great-grandchildren, a host of cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.