His college education at Emory University was interrupted by World War II, in which he served as a combat medic in the European Theater, seeing such actions as the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, he returned to Decatur, Georgia, where he married Olive Hansen and completed his degree at Emory. From there he attended and graduated from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, with a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology under the direction of Wayne Oates.
He continued scholarly study throughout his ministry at institutions such as the University of Edinburgh and the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Each summer he studied at Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey. In recognition of his scholarly service and devotion to an educated clergy, Samford University conferred on him an honorary doctorate in 1987.
Dr. Brooks’ ministry was primarily as a church pastor, serving churches in Belleville, KY, Eatonton, GA, Swainsboro, GA, and Florence, AL. His final pastorate was with Vestavia Hills Baptist Church, Birmingham, from 1969 to 1988. After retiring in 1988, he served as interim pastor of Kowloon Baptist Church in Hong Kong; Samford University’s first Minister to the University; chaplain with Unity Hospice; numerous interim pastorates in Birmingham; and minister to Senior Adults at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church. At 90 years of age he was still teaching Sunday School and active as the church’s beloved Pastor Emeritus.
Throughout his years he was a tireless denominational servant. He supported Baptist ministries at the association, state, national, and international levels, serving on committees and writing for such organizations as the Woman’s Missionary Union and The Baptist World Alliance. For many years he served as a trustee of the Baptist Medical Centers Board.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Olive, and his son, Mark. He is survived by his daughter, Leigh Brooks Collier (Stuart) and son Clinton A. Brooks, and grandchildren, Virginia Collier, Robert Collier, Grayton Brooks and Baier Brooks.
Visitation will be Wed., July 9, from 2 pm to 4 pm at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church. A memorial service will follow at 4 pm, officiated by Dr. Gary Furr, pastor, and a reception follows for those attending.
In lieu of flowers, Dr. Brooks requested that donations be made to the C. Otis Brooks Fund for Pastoral Leadership Enrichment at Samford University or to Vestavia Hills Baptist Church. The family deeply appreciates the devoted care of his physician, Dr. Joseph Wu, the compassionate assistance of Comfort Care hospice, and the loving, supportive care of Chateau Vestavia. Dr. Brooks profoundly touched many lives and will be deeply missed.
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