Eric Sean Groome

Eric Sean Groome, age 54, left this earth on September 18, 2025, to join his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was born in Spruce Pine, NC. He was the son of Lee Groome and Doris Washburn Groome. He is also survived by his uncle, Jim Washburn of Scottsdale, AZ. He joined the Chestnut Grove Baptist Church, Little Switzerland, NC at the age of 9 and also attended the The House of Prayer in Clarksville, VA.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lee Groome and step-father, Roy Sullins, grandparents Gus and Carrie Washburn, and Wilbur and Ruth Groome.

Eric's life was a testament to selflessness and compassion. He served many years as an EMT and Firefighter, rising to the rank of Captain with the New Hope Fire Department. His passion for emergency care and aviation led him to serve 10 years with UNC Air Care and over two decades with Duke Life Flight as an EMT and Communications Specialist. His calm demeanor and steady voice brought peace in moments of crisis-he was truly the calm in the storm.

An old soul with a servant's heart, Eric was nurturing, loving, funny, and generous. His faith in God was strong, and he lived by the promise of grace and redemption. Above all, Eric loved his family fiercely and found joy in every moment spent with them.

He was married to Vanessa Milligan, the love of his life, sadly passing away on their fourth wedding anniversary. His love for his wife and her daughters, Morgan M. Stawski (Johan Bertulano), Megan M. Lawing (Josh) and Madison, knew no bounds. He cherished every moment spent with them and his joy was magnified with the arrival of their grandson, Liam. Eric's affection was extended to his beloved mini dachshund, Angel, whose playful presence brightened his days. His unwavering support as a husband and father set an inspiring example of love, devotion, and guidance for his family. Eric had a great sense of humor which could brighten anyone's day. He loved fishing, riding his motorcycle, anything aviation or military, and was very patriotic. He took flying lessons in his younger years. He loved helping others and researching to understand how things work. You did not ask his opinion unless you really wanted it. His favorite expression was, "I am subtle as a chainsaw." He was very proud of his mountain heritage and the teachings of his Papaw and Memaw Washburn which he incorporated into his life.

In celebration of Eric's life, a visitation will be held September 25, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 pm in the chapel of Gentry-Newell & Vaughan Funeral Home, Oxford, NC. Following interment at Meadowview Memorial Park on Highway 15 North, Oxford at 2:30 PM. After interment, the family extends an invitation to everyone for a luncheon at the Grassy Creek Community Center, 9121 Grassy Creek Rd, Bullock,NC, 27507 to share stories of Eric's amazing life which he recently described as "Quite a ride!"

https://vimeo.com/event/5404711

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to a place that was special to Eric, the Fellowship Hall Alcohol and Addition Treatment Agency of Greensboro, NC, 5140 Dunstan Road, Greensboro, NC 27405, or to https://fellowshiphall.com/donate

Though his light left this world too soon, Eric Sean Groome's spirit will forever live on in the hearts of his family and friends, reminding us all to embody the love of Jesus, compassion, bravery and steadfast love.