Raymond Aaron Brooks Jr.

Raymond Aaron Brooks, Jr. (1946–2025)

Raymond Aaron “Ray” Brooks, Jr., 79, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025, in Houston, Texas.

Born on September 29, 1946, in Seguin, Texas, to Raymond A. Brooks, Sr. and Gladys F. Brooks (both deceased), Ray was an only child who carried a lifelong pride in his Texas roots.

Education & Service

Ray graduated from Phillis Wheatley High School in 1964, then earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Prairie View A&M University in 1969, where he served as President of the Mechanical Engineering Club. Answering the call of duty, he entered the U.S. Army in 1969, serving during the Vietnam era and rising to the rank of Specialist Four (E-4). He qualified Sharpshooter (Rifle) and received the National Defense Service Medal. Honorably discharged in 1971, Ray went on to earn his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University in 1973, followed by an MBA from Pepperdine University in 1979.

Career

Ray’s career spanned both industry and entrepreneurship. He worked for respected organizations, including Standard Oil, before founding Raymond Brooks Engineering in San Francisco in 1983, leading the firm until his retirement. Colleagues and clients alike knew him as a meticulous problem-solver, a steady mentor, and a leader who set high standards—starting with himself.

The Person

A lifelong patriot and proud veteran, Ray championed hard work, unapologetic honesty, and cheering others on. He loved country music and westerns, history, motorcycles and road trips, competitive shooting, and telling a good story. He will be remembered for his charisma, quick wit, and infectious laugh, and above all, for his love and devotion to his family and friends.

Family

Ray is survived by his daughter, Caroline Brooks, her husband Tyler Maltba, and their son William. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond A. Brooks, Sr. and Gladys F. Brooks.

Services

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Funeraria del Angel Trevino, 226 Cupples Rd, San Antonio, TX 78237—refreshments at 8:30 a.m., service at 8:45 a.m. The committal service will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 10:15 a.m.

Messages and/or flowers may be sent directly to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Ray’s favorite prayer

“Dear Lord, all I ask is a field that is fair—a chance to strive and to dare.

If I should win, let me march with my head held high;

and if I should lose, let me stand by the side of the road and cheer as the winners march by.”