William Burroughs Groome, "Bill," 89 of Mechanicsville, died June 19, 2010 at the St. Mary's Nursing Center in Leonardtown.

Born July 20, 1920, he was the son of the late William John Groome of London and Edith Burroughs (Groome) Gegan of Mechanicsville.

Bill graduated from Margaret Brent High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from the University of Maryland.

He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in November 1942 and was a gunnery instructor and served as a Staff Sergeant gunner during WWII. After receiving an honorable discharge from the military, he worked at the Mechanicsville Building Supply for several years. In 1966, Bill became the Supervisor of the St. Mary's County office of the Farmer's Home Administration in Leonardtown, until his retirement.

He was a dedicated member of the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department for over 60 years where he served as Treasurer for many years. His community service included membership on the Board of Trustees of the St. Mary's Nursing Home, as well as being an active member of the Margaret Brent Alumni Association Scholarship Committee.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lois Kessler Groome, a daughter Margaret Bilardello of New York and a son Bill and wife Dana of California, and five grandchildren: Robin and Nick Bilardello of New York, Annie Bilardello of California, and Chloe and Tom Groome of California.

The family will receive friends at Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A. Charlotte Hall, MD Friday, June 25 from 5 to 8 p.m with prayers recited at 7 p.m. A Memorial service will be held at Bill's parish, All Faith Episcopal Church, Charlotte Hall, MD on Saturday, June 26, 2010 at 10 a.m. Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 37, Mechanicsville, MD 20659 or to All Faith Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 24, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622.

Arrangements provided by Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A.