Larry Wayne Brooks

Larry Wayne Brooks departed this life peacefully in his home on Sunday, February 2, 2025, after modeling unshakable courage and grace in an extended battle with Parkinson’s Disease. For those who knew Larry best, he was a loving husband and father, a trusted friend, an honest counselor and leader, and a source of predictably unpredictable humor.

Born on November 21, 1946, Larry was the only child of Howard Lee and Charlotte Christine Martin Brooks of Bluefield, Virginia. A first-generation college graduate, Larry earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Tech, a Master’s in Science Education from the University of Virginia, a Certificate in School Administration from the College of William and Mary, and a Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies from Nova Southeastern University. Larry was forever grateful for the role his teachers played in opening doors to the benefits of education and devoted his life to giving the same opportunities to others.

He was a leader in Virginia public schools for 33 years, starting and ending his career where his passion always remained: in the classroom. He taught children of all ages and held various administrative positions throughout Virginia public schools, culminating in his leadership as the Division Superintendent of Culpeper County Public Schools.

After his retirement from public education, he taught for 15 years in the graduate program at Shenandoah University, extending his legacy in school administration. He served as Chair of the Leadership Studies Department at Shenandoah and cherished the opportunity to work with the next generation of school leaders.

Larry was an active church member and leader, including most recently serving as an elder and beloved member of the Mitchells Presbyterian Church. While living in Poquoson, Rustburg, and Culpeper, Virginia, he volunteered and served in leadership roles in a variety of community organizations, including Lions International and Rotary. He was a devoted scout master, committee member, and counselor. He learned the rules of soccer so he could coach his sons’ soccer team in Christiansburg and started the youth soccer program in Rustburg, where he coached for many years. In his retirement, he enjoyed volunteering through the Handy Hearts organization to build wheelchair ramps with “a group of old guys,” having an occasional beer and bar snack with friends, and fishing whenever possible.

He is survived by his wife Linda Billig Brooks of Culpeper, and children, Paul Martin Brooks and his wife Vaughn Summit Brooks of Bixby, OK, and Michael Wayne Brooks and his wife Laura Podesta Brooks of Falls Church, VA, as well as his seven grandchildren (Mason, Bella, Max, Christian, Gabriel, Quinn, and Everett). He was loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

Clore English Funeral Home is coordinating the services. Visitation will be held at Mitchells Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life at Mitchells Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to Mitchells Presbyterian Church.