Roland Hayes Tooks

On Sunday February 26th, 2023. Roland Hayes Tooks, received his heavenly wings from his Heavenly Father and entered into eternal rest. His loving wife Mary was by his side. He truly will be missed by his family and friends who love him. Roland Hayes Tooks, was born on July 2, 1932. In Unadilla, Georgia to the late Preston R. Tooks, Sr., and Mattie M. Ames-Tooks. Roland joined the Camp Creek Baptist Church in Unadilla Georgia and was baptized at an early age. He was educated in the Dooly County Schools. Roland began serving his country in the United States army in 1953. He served his country for five years. During his time in the service, he demonstrated his cooking and leadership skills. He rose to the rank of Sergeant. These skills became apparent immediately as he received a letter of commendation from his commanding officer during basic training. With his words quoted here; " In the past four months it has been my pleasure to have a trainee cook Pyt. Roland Tooks. This man proved very capable as a cook while at the same time carrying on his basic training. Basic training is hard enough on a man without adding the duties of a cook. However, Pyt. Tooks took on this extra responsibility and was very influential in providing this company with one of the best Mess Halls in the entire regiment. I whole heartedly recommend this man either as a cook or as a person to fill any job in rifle squad, signed by Frisco W. Short. The second lieutenant Infantry commanding. Upon being honorably discharged from the service. He became head cook at the University of Missouri hospital in Columbia, Missouri. After moving to Washington D.C. Roland began working at the National Security Agency (NSA) and met and married the love of his life Mary Benson-Tooks. The wedding was officiated by their pastor the late Rev. Dr. Raymond Robinson. He was pastor of Israel Baptist Church. They seemed destined for each other as they were born in the same year one day apart. He retired after 30 years of service at NSA. Roland was a devoted member of the Isael Baptist Church. He loved the lord and his church family. Roland was known for his great culinary skills. He had the ability to make anything from scratch including cakes, cheesecakes, banana puddings, and pancakes. Roland was known for his story telling and humor and quick wit. he was also known for his love and knowledge of music, especially gospel music. He had an extensive music collection. He loved traveling with his wife and visiting relatives. He stayed in touch with family and friends. He was a great friend, relative, husband, father, and grandfather. Roland was preceded in death by five brothers; Preston (Janie) Tooks Jr., George (Blonnie) Tooks, Ernest Tooks, Leon (Ruby) Tooks, Wendell (Evon) Tooks, One sister Jacqueline Tooks. Roland leaves to cherish his loving memory a devoted wife, Mary Benson-Tooks, two children, Diana Tatum, Gregory (lady Angela) Tooks, a granddaughter princess Skylar Mary Tooks, one bonus grandson. Juan Encarnacion, one adopted grandson Leroy Turrentine Jr., one brother-in-law Houston (Jackie) Dorrah, three sisters in laws Evon (Wendell) Tooks, June Tooks, Brenda (Herman) Bentley, and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and other relatives, and many dear friends.