Richard Craig Brooks

after a courageous two-year battle with ALS. Rick was a beloved husband, father, grandfather,

brother, uncle, and friend. He faced his illness with remarkable strength and faith, offering

inspiration to everyone who walked beside him during his journey.

Rick was born in Greenville, South Carolina, and, because of his father’s job, spent much of his

childhood moving throughout the South. In high school, he attended Marietta First United

Methodist Church, where he first met his wife, Cathy. Rick graduated from Wheeler High School

in 1976. He received his Bachelor’s in Business from Valdosta State University, where he was

very active in the Baptist Student Union. Rick and Cathy reconnected on one of his trips home

from college, and they got married the following summer.

They began their married life in Birmingham, where Rick launched his career with T.J.

Maxx—an experience that sparked his passion for business and began a lifelong commitment to

mentoring and shaping the next generation of employees. Rick dedicated much of his life to

serving his community as the owner of the UPS Store on Mars Hills Road. His customers and

associates knew him not only for his hard work, but for his kindness and genuine care he

showed to everyone who walked through his doors.

Some of Rick’s happiest memories were made on family trips, and he especially cherished

peaceful days at the mountain house and fishing in the Gulf, places that brought him deep joy

and connection. Rick was a long-standing member of the Men of Mars Hill Bible study and was

a faithful Christian who showed the love of Christ to others in his daily interactions.

He was preceded in death by parents Bill Brooks and Bobbie Ruth Brooks, and step-mother

Bostey Brooks, who lovingly raised him after the passing of his biological mother. He was also

preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bob and Lil Prillaman, whose

influence and support shaped his life in countless and meaningful ways.

Rick is survived by his wife of 44 years, Cathy Prillaman Brooks; his daughters, Hilary Butler

(Michael) and Mary Kayla Oliver (Josh); and his cherished granddaughter, Hanna Butler, and

granddog, Maggie Oliver. He is also survived by his siblings, Bill, Randy, and Jennie Brooks,

along with many extended family members and dear friends who will forever hold his memory

close.

Visitation will be at Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta on Friday, April 24th at 10

AM, followed by an 11 AM memorial service celebrating Rick’s life.

To honor Rick’s courageous journey and support the search for a cure, contributions can be

made to the ALS Association.