Born Feb. 11, 1939, in the south East Lake home of his parents Olin Ray Brooks Sr. and Mary M. Brooks. He had battled prostate cancer since 2010 and passed away on June 24, 2018. He was raised in East Lake and was a graduate of Woodlawn High School. He enrolled at Howard College, was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and received a degree in Business Administration. Upon graduation he was employed in the pharmaceutical industry as a sales representative. While maintaining his job, he returned to Howard and studied pharmacology. He later enrolled in Cumberland School of Law, was a member of Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity, and earned his JD degree. Over a tenure of 40 years in the industry, he represented several pharmaceutical companies. He retired in 2004.
In retirement, he enjoyed family gatherings, early morning walks at Turkey Creek with his "Buddy" Molly, driving his sport car, and his monthly luncheon meetings with his Pike fraternity brothers who were at Howard College in the late 50's and early 60's. He was a long time member of Pinson United Methodist Church and enjoyed being a member of the Chancel Choir. He was member of the Alabama State Bar Association and the Sons of the Confederate Veterans. He was a past member of East Lake Masonic Lodge #480, Zamora Shrine, York Rite Knight Templars, Order of Quetzalcoatl, Royal Order of Jesters, and the Pinson Civitan Club.
He is survived by his best friend and wife of 57 years, Patricia M. Brooks; daughter Rebecca Derivaux (Dr. Donald Joseph Derivaux), son Brig Gen. Robert T. Brooks Jr., Ret. USAF (Aprile), and son Michael Brian Brooks; sister Ramona Reese; brother Paul Brooks (Kay); sister-in-law Joan Brooks; brother-in-law William H. Simpkins; brother-in-law Mike McCain (Joy); five granddaughters, two grandsons, one great-granddaughter, one great-grandson; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son Patrick Brooks; a 7 year old grandson "Little Donny" Joseph Derivaux, Jr.; brother Olin Ray Brooks, Jr.; sister Martine Simpkins; brother-in-law John Reese; brother-in-law Hugh "Butch" McCain; and his dog and best buddy, Molly.
Services will be held at Pinson United Methodist, 4507 Bud Holmes Road, Pinson, Al 35126 on Wednesday, June 27, 2018. Visitation from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm with Service officiated by Rev. Barry Dunn to follow at 12:00 pm. Burial at Marvin's Chapel Cemetery with reception to follow back at church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pinson United Methodist Church/General Fund at P.O. Box 710, Pinson, Al 35126 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
