He was born in Catawba County on October 31, 1948, he was the son of Hubert Marvin Brooks and the late Betty Revels Brooks.
Gene was a member of Sandy Ridge Baptist Church and retired school teacher from Arndt Middle School and St. Stephens High School. He was the first NC certified athletic trainer in our area, he was named teacher of the year 1993-1994. He was a beloved teacher and friend to many, and he will be deeply missed by family and friends. His second career was fishing. He loved fishing at Lake Hickory, but most of all at Sunset Beach, NC where he had a vacation home of 38 years. He was known as “Coach” to all who knew and loved him there.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sherry Bumgarner Brooks of the home, his daughter Gena Hoffman and husband Robert of Allentown, PA; grandchildren, Adelaide Hoffman, Charlotte Hoffman, Wellington Hoffman, Maxwell Hoffman, and Alexander Hoffman; his father Hubert Brooks of Hickory; brother David Brooks and wife Linda of Hickory and nieces Karri Deptola and husband Stephen of Colorado, and Carmen Brooks of Mooresville.
Memorial service will be held Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Sandy Ridge Baptist Church with Reverend Bill Sturm officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:45 pm to 1:45 pm.
