Mr. Joseph "Joe" Brooks

Joseph (“Joe”) Wilks Brooks, 81, of Marietta, Georgia died on Tuesday, February 24 , 2015 following a lengthy illness. Preceded in death by his wife , Joyce Yates Brooks, Joe is survived by son Dan Brooks and daughter-in-law Treicia Parker Brooks of Marietta, Georgia; sister and brother-in-law, Missie and Sam Lanham of Salado, Texas, nieces Brooks McCorcle and Claire Hartman and nephew, Sam Lanham IV, their respective spouses and children and a host of family and friends.

Born and raised in Waco, Texas, Joe continued a family tradition of attending Culver Military Academy in Indiana, graduating in 1951, and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from Baylor University in 1961. He served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army, attached to the Adjutant General’s staff in active duty for four years and remained in the active reserves for several years.

Joe began his career with the IBM Corporation in 1964, becoming an integral part of the Insurance Consulting team before his retirement in 1996, whereupon he formed Brooks Marketing & Service, Inc. as a base for his business consulting activities. In late 1998, he joined The Home Depot in Marietta , Georgia until his retirement in 2014.

Joe Brooks was initiated, passed, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in J.H. Gurley lodge No. 337,A.F.& A.M., Waco, Texas in 1955. A fourth generation member, Joe retained his membership there. He also became a plural member of Gate City Lodge No.2, F.& A.M., Atlanta , Georgia. He is Past Master of Gate City No. 2 and Metro Daylight Lodge No. 743, having served Metro Daylight in 1999, and Gate City in 2000 and 2005. While serving as Worshipful Master in 2005, he was presented his 50 year pin and apron. Brother Brooks was a recognized ritualist of Georgia’s uniform work. He was also a member and Past Master of the Georgia Lodge of Research.

Companion Brooks received the York Rite degrees in Waco Chapter , R.A.M., and Waco Council, R.& S.M. in 1957, and by courtesy to Waco Commandery, became a Knight Templar in Damascus Commandery, Detroit, Michigan. He subsequently demitted upon his move to Georgia, and became a member of Mt. Horeb Chapter No. 155, R.A.M., Euclid Council No. 33, R. & S.M., and Atlanta Commandery No. 9, K.T. He was Past High Priest of his Chapter and Past Illustrious Master of the Council, and served as Secretary/Recorder of those bodies for over ten years. Companion Brooks represented the Grand High Priest as District Grand Deputy for the Fifth Royal Arch District for four years. Companion and Sir Knight Brooks was a member of the Luther G. Palmer York Rite College No. 123, where he served as Treasurer for four years, and North Atlanta Council No 313 Allied Masonic Degrees, where he was Past Sovereign Master, and a member of other appendant bodies. In 1997 he was initiated into the Masonic Rosicrucian Society advancing to VII Grade. In 1997 Joe became a charter member of Carl F. Lester Council of Knight Masons No. 65 in Atlanta.

In 1996, Knight Companion Brooks was honored by being initiated into St. Ambrose Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine, Atlanta, Georgia, serving as Puissant Sovereign and a ritualist in the ceremony of the orders.

Noble Brooks took the Shrine at Karem Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., in Waco, Texas while his father was Potentate in 1958, and became a member of Yaarab Temple in Atlanta, Georgia upon his move to the Atlanta area.

Brother Brooks was a member of the charter class of the Waco Scottish Rite Bodies, receiving the 14th Degree in 1959, and became a Master of the Royal Secret shortly thereafter. He maintained continuous membership in the Scottish Rite until his passing at which time he was a member of the Atlanta Scottish Rite Bodies where he served as Venerable Master of Kadosh in 2000-2001. A ritualist in several degrees, he also worked as classroom and auditorium aide during reunions, being called upon to communicate degrees, and assist candidates.

In 1989, he was honored with the Rank and Decoration of Knight Commander Court of Honor, and has served the Atlanta Court as Commander. In 1999, Brother Brooks was coroneted a 33rd Degree Inspector General Honorary. At the time of his passing he was an active member and Past President of the Cobb County Scottish Rite Association and a member of the Scottish Rite Research Society. He also served as a member of the Child Care Committee of the Scottish Rite Children’s Medical Center (now Children’s HealthCare of Atlanta), and as a Trustee of the Scottish Rite Foundation of Georgia. Joe counted many of his Masonic brethren among his friends.

Joe W. Brooks was a member of Mt. Bethel Methodist Church in Marietta, Georgia, where he had served on numerous boards and committees, including the Administrative Board, Finance and Building Committees. He held the position of Treasurer for five years and taught an adult Bible study Sunday School class for many years.

His hobbies honed friendships with many of like mind – pistol shooting and knot tying were favorites.

Funeral arrangements locally are being handled by Patterson Canton Hill, a memorial service to be held there on Saturday March 7th at 3 PM before internment in the family plot in Waco, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a tribute gift to Scottish Rite - Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation (choa.org/give) or mailed to the attention of TRIBUTES at CHOA, 1577 NE Expressway, Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30329, the Chattahoochee Nature Center at 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell GA. 30075 (DeAnn Fordham @ [email protected]) or a contribution to your organization or charity of choice.