Nelson Smith Groome III

Major (Ret.) Nelson Smith Groome, III, born on July 18, 1943, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025, at age 82, in Sarasota, Florida. Raised in the College Place neighborhood of Hampton, Virginia, Nelson was a graduate of Virginia Military Institute where he developed the discipline and sense of duty that guided his life. He was commissioned into the U.S. Army, serving twenty years on active duty, and later continued his dedication to civil service for twenty years with the U.S. Department of Defense.

Nelson was a man of integrity and honesty, someone who believed deeply in doing the right thing, even when it was difficult. Those who knew him remember his sharp, dry wit and understated sense of humor, delivered quietly and often unexpectedly. He was also a loyal and dependable friend, generous with his time and steady in his presence.

Nelson’s life was shaped by a love of the outdoors, learning and exploration. An avid outdoorsman, he found peace and joy in fishing, hunting, sailing, and exploring the natural world. A lifelong learner, he loved reading and remained curious about science and technology throughout his life. He was a farmer at heart, drawn to the land, self-reliance, and the satisfaction of working with his hands.

He lived and travelled extensively throughout his life, residing in Panama, across Europe, and many states in the U.S. Nelson spent over twenty years in Panama, where he raised two of his children, Mariah and Nelson, and where adventure and exploration were part of everyday life. He especially cherished his time there. He retired to Florida in 2008 following the passing of his wife, Bridget.

In 2016, Nelson married Johan McDonald, previously of Hampton. Together, they shared a love of travel and adventure, enjoying the open road and the freedom to explore.  They built a cabin in Cortez, Colorado, and took long road trips across the American West, the southeastern United States, the shores of North Carolina,and into Canada. Along the way, Nelson enjoyed visiting his oldest daughter Tris and his grandchildren in Arkansas, as well as reconnecting with old friends.

Nelson is predeceased by his parents, Nelson and Vivian (Cumming) Groome, his brother, Randolph “Randy” Groome, Terry Ann Rogers Montgomery (mother of daughter Tris), and Bridget West Groome, mother of Mariah and Nelson IV.

He is survived by his loving wife, Johan; his daughters, Tris Groome of Loxley AL, and Mariah Groome of Sarasota FL; his son, Nelson S. Groome IV of North Port, FL; his sister, Debby Groome Wilkenson of Snow Camp, NC; two grandchildren, Kelsi May and Gatin Groome; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be at a later date.