Mr. Phillip A. Groom, 84 of Adel, Georgia passed away October 16, 2026 at home after a 5 1/2 year battle with esophageal cancer. He faced it the way he faced everything, with humor, grit and a deep love of life. 

    Phillip was born on November 10, 1941, in Weymouth, England, to Harry Edward Groom and Iris Doreen Frances Harrison Groom. He was the third of six children. He played semi-professional soccer for Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester, and remained a devoted fan of Liverpool Football Club for the rest of his life. He also liked to tell people he saw the Beatles play in a bar before they were the Beatles.

     In his early career, Phillip served in the British Merchant Navy. A printer by trade, he kept busy over the years as an insurance salesman, golf course manager, and car salesman. He was elected twice to the Nashville, Georgia City Council and was a Mason and Shriner. He was a true character, a jokester who could make the room laugh and never met a stranger.

     Philip came to the United State in 1966, and his life changed on a blind date with Mary Janice Taylor. They Married just four months later on April 2, 1967, and their love story lasted 59 years.

      Phillip was most proud of his family above all. He is survived by his wife, Janice of Adel; his son, Stephen Groom, and daughter-in-law, Shea of Hahira, Georgia; his daughter, Sonya Cater, and son-in-law, Tim of Williamsburg, Virginia; his four grandchildren, who called him "Papa": Autumn Reese Cater, Adison Groom, Aniston Groom and Carson Groom. He is also survived by his brothers, Eric, Roger and Roland Groom all of Weymouth, England; and his sister Cynthia Groom Fry of Dorchester, England. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Iris Groom, and his brother, Gerald.

      In keeping with Mr. Groom's wishes he was cremated and there will be no formal services held. There will be a visitation with the family from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Boone Funeral Home, 1804 S. Hutchinson Ave. in Adel.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hospice of South Georgia, to help others as much as they helped Phillip during his last few months of life.  Hospice of South Georgia; 2263 Pineview Drive; Valdosta, Georgia 31602.

      Condolences may be expressed online at www.boonefunerals.com.  Boone Funeral Home, Inc. is serving the Groom family.