William Polk Brooks, a true son of the soil and with a life richly blessed, passed away Monday at home at the age of 81. Known by all as “Billy”, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend. Rich in blessings, he grew up in the Big Cove community among the loving and extended family of his grandfather, King Drake. He attended Madison County High School and joined his father and Ernest Collier at an early age in what was to become the family business of Brooks and Collier. Billy and his wife Doris cultivated the business together and enjoyed many fruitful years in business, grateful for so many wonderful customers. Billy and Doris were able to leave the business in the capable hands of their son Greg, and his wife Kim. Billy also started Brooks Nursery supplying the region with many varieties of boxwoods, a perennial favorite.
Rich in blessings, warm-hearted, and fun loving, Billy enjoyed the fellowship of family and friends. Billy was a member of Cove United Methodist Church, where he and Doris were enveloped in the family of believers. Grateful for his blessings, Billy served his country in the United States Army and contributed to the life of his community by serving on several boards and other organizations.
Above all, Billy was a family man that fostered in his family a love of each other, the value of hard work, a love of all things green, and a truly adventurous spirit.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Elbert and Annie Lee Drake Brooks and his brother Thomas Elbert Brooks, Jr. Billy is survived by the one that called him “the love of my life”, his wife of over 60 years, Doris Bice Brooks; those that called him “Daddy”, Terrie Brooks Vandiver (Frank), Karen Brooks Manley (Doyle), and William Gregory Brooks (Kim); those that call him Paw Paw, his six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; and those that called him Billy, his extended family and friends.
Arrangements will be announced by Laughlin Service Funeral Home. Reverend John Tanner will officiate. Memorials may be made to Cove United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.
