David William Groom

Dave William Groom, 87, of Harrisburg, NC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19th, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Dave was born on September 23rd, 1938, in Bellaire, Ohio to Audrey Fawcett and Grace Lucille Groom.

Dave grew up in Bellaire, Ohio and graduated from Bellaire High School, The Ohio State University, where he earned degrees in both Music Performance and Music Education, and Columbia Teachers’ College, where he earned a Masters in Music Education. He pursued multiple careers in musical performance, music education, and financial services where, among his proudest achievements, he was seated and performed as a member of the West Point Academy military band. Dave was a lifelong enthusiast and avid supporter of the Ohio State University Marching Band – “TBDBITL”. Dave successfully tried out and made the band as a percussionist (snare drum) his freshman year and was a member of the band until his junior year. Among his most cherished memories from his time in the bands, were marching with Ohio State in the Rose Bowl parade in 1957 and marching with the West Point Band down Fifth Avenue in New York City.

Dave is survived by his loving spouse, Joan, of 56 years; children – Brent (Heather) of Lehi, UT, Brandon of San Diego, CA, Jeff (Sara) of Durango, CO, Lisa Beachum (Matthew) of Harrisburg, NC, and Debbie also of Harrisburg, NC, twelve grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Audrey and Grace, his sister, Shirley, and cousin, Marian.

Dave developed an early love of music. While excelling as a percussionist, he was also a talented pianist, playing well into his 80s. He had a deep appreciation for choral music and led church choirs in to his mid-80s. Among so many, his most cherished musical memory was his involvement, as a percussionist (timpani), in annual productions of Handel's ‘Messiah’ in and around Northern New Jersey.

While raised Methodist, Dave joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1963 and maintained an unwavering relationship with his Savior, Jesus Christ. Dave remained active and faithful, and shared his fervent testimony of Jesus Christ through his musical talents with decades of service as pianist, organist, and choir director. Dave also dedicated many years serving in the LDS New York, Manhattan Temple.

As his sons grew, Dave became involved with Boy Scouts of America. Eventually, he spent well over a decade in leadership of a regional Boy Scout Camp in Northern New Jersey and loved that time passionately.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1st at Hartsell Funeral Home, 12115 University City Blvd., Harrisburg, NC. The service will be webcast for those unable to attend in person. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to the memorial service. Interment will follow at Sharon Memorial Park in Charlotte. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WaterAid or a charity of your choice in Dave’s memory.

Dave leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, music, adventure, and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Groom family.