Basiel Clayton Brooks Jr.

B. Clayton Brooks, Jr., 89, of Abernathy Laurels in Newton, NC died on Sunday, June 5, 2022 following declining health. For multiple years, he has been lovingly befriended by the uplifting nursing and caring community of Abernathy Laurels as well as his “bestie” companion, Ms. Gere Helton of Abernathy Laurels. As a man’s best friend, his beloved dog, “Ms. B” was his trusty sidekick on four legs for 4 years prior to his death. Also, close to his heart were the members and lifelong friends of First Presbyterian Church in Newton, NC and Luling, LA.

Clayton was born in Sheffield, AL, the son of Basiel Brooks, Sr. and Katherine Wright Brooks. Raised in Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky; Clayton is a graduate of Calvert City High School, KY and Murray State University in Murry, KY. He was awarded a scholarship through the historic 1944 GI Bill, paying for his college education. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army and even worked briefly in the fingerprinting department of the FBI in Washington, DC after having moved there with 50 cents in his pocket and an opportunity to play minor league baseball.

At Murray State University, Clayton graduated with a B.S. in Chemistry and Mathematics in 1958. He was employed with the Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) for over 32 years and was forever excited to be part of their well-respected metallurgical groups. Technically, he began his career as a chemist in the Nuclear Division for Union Carbide at Paducah, KY. He became a production supervisor of the Ethylene amines Unit from 1966-1968 and then moved into the Corrosion and Materials Engineering Division as lead corrosion engineer in Taft, Louisiana. Beginning in 1989, his final position for “Carbide” was as Principal Engineer in Central Research and Engineering Technology (The Tech Center) in Charleston, WV. He was a member of the National Association of Corrosion Engineers.

With his STEM background, he remained a lifelong learner. Subjects ranging from astronomy, woodworking, photography, automotive repair, home maintenance and computer technology captivated his attention. He built a minimum of two telescopes and multiple furniture pieces, bookcases and tables. No project was too small. Clayton subscribed to the motto, “Live and Learn.”

As a dedicated sports enthusiast, Clayton thoroughly enjoyed horses, tennis, baseball, table tennis, swimming, running and gold. He preferred to play any sport and not “spectate” the sport on television. Being a major supporter of Willowdale Swim Team in Luling, LA was a cherished highlight of his younger adult years. Playing in the Western Piedmont Senior Gold League was a fun finale. Often, he crushed it when he won the meager bets on the golf games. Conover YMCA and the directors of Health Activities as Abernathy Laurels (looking at you Greg and Vanessa and everyone in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy), kept him fit and active as an octogenarian.

Clayton was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Keeling Brooks (2017) and one brother, Melvin Brooks of Somerset, Kentucky. He is survived by his brother, Charles Brooks of Cadiz, KY and daughters, Beth Hebert and husband Lynn Hebert and Amy Brooks. There are two cherished granddaughters, Susan Hebert Bellon and Emma Brooks, as well as two spectacular great granddaughters, Abigail and Brooklyn Bellon.

A Gathering of Friends service will be held at 3pm, Thursday, June 9, 2022 at Spirit Place- Abernathy Laurels, 102 Leonard Ave, Newton, NC 28658. Due to Covid regulations and concerns, masks are required by Abernathy Laurels.

Condolences may be sent to the Brooks family at www.drumfh-conover.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to an animal rescue of your choice.