Orval C “Sarge” Brooks, 94, of Florence, passed away, Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Visitation will be Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Morrison Funeral Home, Central Heights. The graveside funeral service will be Sunday, September 7, 2025, beginning at 2:00 P.M. at Pleasant View Cemetery in Dutton, AL with Scott Farmer officiating.
He served two years in the Army and then joined the Air Force. He picked up the nickname Sarge and retired with over 20 years in the military.
Mr. Brooks lived a full life. Growing up in a tenant farming family he became a master gardener and hunter. He enjoyed fishing up until his last days. Farm life gave him purpose: driving tractors, keeping watch over the cows, and harvesting fruit to make wine. He was an active member of the Moose Lodge and held many leadership roles. He was also a member of the American Legion and VFW. In his spare time, he loved watching Alabama football and Atlanta Braves baseball. His greatest joy was being surrounded by his family, especially his grandchildren. He was known for amusing himself and others with his fantastic storytelling.
He is preceded in death by his wife Ina Mary Beavers Brooks; great-grand-daughter, Tatum Delaney Farmer; and his parents and seven siblings.
Orval is survived by his children, Pam Brooks Hundley (Frank) of Chattanooga, TN, Lisa Brooks Podskoc of Woodstock, GA, Dana Brooks Wagner of Florence, AL, and April Brooks of Savannah, GA; grandchildren, Scott Farmer (Windy), Bonni Haslem (David), Brooks Podskoc, Ethan Podskoc, Jennifer Wagner, Ashley Stradtner (Jarrett), Caitlin Hyde (Jerrod), Chloe Cooper, Calliope Cooper; great-grandchildren, Hayden Farmer, Fiona Haslem, Ada Haslem, Storm Podskoc, Declan Stradtner, Juniper Stradtner, and Kennedy Hyde.
Pallbearers will be Brooks Podskoc, Ethan Podskoc, Scott Farmer, Jerrod Hyde, Frank Hundley, and Jarrett Stradtner.
The family asks donations to be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in his memory in lieu of flowers.
