This obituary was originally published on Rogers & Breece Funeral Home.
Ernest Stacy Grooms “Stacy”, 102, of Fayetteville, passed away on May 15, 2025.
Stacy was born in Cumberland County on April 25, 1924. He was one of 14 children. He attended Hope Mills High School and later enlisted in the United States Army for 2 years. After returning home from service, he met the love of his life, Doris Smith, and became engaged soon after that. Stacy pursued a career in the heating and air conditioning field, and owned Grooms Heating & A/C. Outside of work Stacy enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with family, especially at his summer home at Holden Beach.
Stacy was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Doris; his parents, Manly and Lula King Grooms; four of his sisters; and seven brothers.
Stacy is survived by his children, Ernie Grooms (Jeanne), Forrest Grooms (Richie) and Lynn Smith (Sam); his grandchildren, Trey Ernest Stacy Grooms III, Renee Grooms Betz, Wesley Smith, & Staci Smith Notaro; five great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; his sisters, Lucile Black and Sue Cain; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday May 20, from 12:30 to 1:30 at Rogers & Breece Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held following the visitation with Pastor Chris Carson officiating. His burial will take place after the service at Lafayette Memorial Cemetery.
A special ‘Thank you’ to all the caregivers at Heritage Place/Unbridled Care and Pruitt Hospice care for all the special love and care that was given to Stacy during his last few years.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations or contributions be made to The Shriner’s Children Hospital: “Attn: Shriners Children’s PO Box 947765 Atlanta, GA 30394” or at https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/give/716725/#!/donation/checkout