Geoffrey L. Groat

Georgetown Mr. Geoffrey Lewis Groat, Sr., 82, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Tidelands Memorial Hospital in Georgetown, SC. He was the beloved son of William Avery Groat and Mary Lewis Groat of Augusta, GA. Geoff graduated from Aiken Preparatory School in Aiken, SC, and Clemson University in 1965. A passionate educator and devoted community leader, he served as Headmaster of Joseph Kershaw Academy in Camden, South Carolina, from 1971 to 1973. He later opened and operated a retail and jewelry store in Columbia, SC before beginning a long and successful career in real estate. He worked with Coldwell Banker Boykin Realty in Camden, SC, and later joined DeBordieu Colony Real Estate, where he worked under Edens and Avant and later Peace Sotheby's International Realty for a total of 39 years. His dedication, warmth, and honesty left a lasting mark on the coastal real estate community. Earlier in his career, Geoff also spent time working for the Library of Congress, a chapter that reflected his lifelong love of books, learning, educating, and public service. Geoff was a Master of Hounds, an avid fly fisherman, a world traveler, and a true wine enthusiast. He found joy in cooking for friends and family, sharing meals and stories with equal delight. As the organizer of the annual DeBordieu Beach Sweep and an active member of the DCCA, Geoff's love for the coast and commitment to conservation were evident to all who knew him. He also played a very active role in the Pawleys Island wine and food festival for many, many years. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Shary G. Groat; his son, Geoffrey L. Groat, Jr. (and wife, Sharon) of Charleston; his daughter, Whitney Drum (and husband, Ted) of Greenville, SC. He was a proud grandfather to Eliza Groat and Suzanne Groat. Geoff is also survived by his brother, Johnny Groat (and wife, Elizabeth), his sister Katie Groat, and many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers Andy Groat and Steve Groat, and his sister-in-law, Jeanne Groat. The Groat family is deeply grateful to the compassionate and tireless staff of Tidelands Memorial Hospital in Georgetown for their extraordinary care. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Holy Cross Faith Memorial Episcopal Church in Pawleys Island. A Celebration of Life will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the DeBordieu Colony Golf Club. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate or the SC Coastal Conservation Association https://ccasouthcarolina.com/ The Downtown Chapel of Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements, 843-546-4184. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Geoffrey, please visit our Tree Store.