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Willem de Groot Obituary
Asheville - Willem "Bill" Jacob de Groot, passed away on Tuesday, August 15, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born in The Netherlands in 1930 to Johan and Esther de Groot. He immigrated to Jacksonville, FL with his wife Lisette and their three children, in 1964.
As a young man, Bill served in the Royal Dutch Army as tank commander and later graduated University with a BS in engineering in 1955. Bill was a registered professional mechanical engineer in three states and retired from Union Camp Corp in 1994.
He enjoyed scouting as a youth and later as a Boy Scout leader. Bill was s great outdoorsman and volunteered with the Marine Extension of the University of Georgia in Savannah, and later at the North Carolina Arboretum. Bill believed that he served his Heavenly Father well, by serving his fellow man as a Sunday School teacher and as Church elder, as well as helping new immigrants to the USA, master the English language.
Along with his wife Lisette, Bill enjoyed the outdoor lifestyle of Asheville. Camping, hiking, birdwatching and gardening. His main and most loved hobby was model railroading.
Bill lived and loved the great life and fought the great fight!
Bill is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 61 years, Lisette de Groot-van den Bergh, his brother Jaap de Groot, three children and their spouses, eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Bill's life will be held at 1:30 pm on Saturday, August 19, 2017, at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Asheville, NC.
Memorials may be made in honor of Bill to Parkinson's Disease Foundation, Hospice Care Partners of Buncombe County, The North Carolina Arboretum or Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Willem de Groot
5 Entries
Leslie McCormack
September 1, 2017
Remembering Mr DeGroot with great fondness. I loved coming to your home when you were in Jacksonville. I treasure the memories you all shared with my parents. You all are in my prayers.
Vickie Souza
August 23, 2017
I was a secretary in Corporate Engineering, Savannah, GA and he was one of the engineers I worked for. He was such a kind man and I enjoyed working for him for several years. I'm honored to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Vickie Souza
George Kirkland
August 19, 2017
I worked with Bill for many years there was no one finer or more dedicated to his job.
He served God and man all his days.
Liz Hathcoat
August 19, 2017
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
JACK & JAN WILKINS
August 19, 2017
Bill was also a very competitive tennis player. I enjoyed many a match with him. He will be missed by many. Truly a good man. God bless him and his entire family.
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