Daniel Lee Grooms, 78, passed away peacefully on Jan. 31, 2026. After several years of declining health, his passing, while not unexpected, has left his family and friends with an enormous sense of loss. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. His daughters would like recognize Emerald Coast Hospice and The Waterford at Carpenters Creek for the care and support provided to their Dad and to us in his last days.
He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, working as an OR Technician at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. After returning home, he attended Lambuth College, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and later the University of Memphis where he earned a master’s degree in counseling.
A gifted mental health professional, he had a special talent for helping those with severe mental illness. Throughout his career, he held numerous leadership positions in the mental health field across Tennessee. Midway through his career, he earned an MBA from Belmont University and went on to consult, mentor, and encourage others in the profession. He was ahead of his time in leadership theory and inspired many who would later become exceptional leaders themselves.
After retirement, he embraced life’s simple joys – spending time with family, visiting his grandchildren in Florida, meeting his coffee buddies, writing poetry, painting and taking drives in his beloved little red sports car.
To meet Daniel was to feel as though you had gained a new best friend. He was loved by many, and he loved people unconditionally, regardless of who they were or where they came from. One of his favorite sayings was, “Everyone is doing the best they can; if they could do better, they would.” This belief reflected his deep compassion and understanding of the human experience. He cherished meeting new people and hearing their stories, and you never knew when you might find yourself woven into the lyrics of a song or the subject of one of his poems. The world will be a different place for many without him in it.
He is survived by his daughters, Dyan (Eddie) Wofford, Austyn Grooms and Blake Grooms; stepchildren, Kayla (Nicholas) Watkins and Alden Coleman; grandson, Devon Spurling; and granddaughter, Willow Wofford.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Juanez Grooms Knipper; his father, Arnold Grooms; and many other beloved family members.
