William Brooks Keiser

Upon graduating from Christian Brothers High School in 1970, Brooks went on to his beloved Alma Mater, Memphis State University where he obtained a degree in Education. Brooks was a self-proclaimed author, but he will most certainly be known and remembered for his career in teaching with the Memphis City School System for over 30 years. During those years, he of course taught the basics, but students will most likely remember him as a teacher who would listen to them and tried to instill life lessons along the way. Brooks coached several sports to include baseball, softball and basketball, but probably his proudest moment was starting the Trezavant Bears Golf Team from scratch.

A faithful and loyal member of Grace Presbyterian Church, Brooks could be found most every Sunday singing bass in the choir. Upon retirement, Brooks embraced a simple lifestyle and could be found most mornings journaling out on the patio of his childhood home in the Lakewood Hills neighborhood. He loved a good bridge foursome, but more than anything, he enjoyed kicking back with a hot cup of coffee and cheering on his Memphis Tigers or St Louis Cardinals. Brooks leaves behind the most wonderful neighbors who looked after him with care when his health began to decline.

In addition to his cousins David House, Don House, George Helwagen, Paul Helwagen, and Jane Carroll, Brooks is survived by his lifelong best friend George D Mayo Jr, George’s wife Barbara, their daughters Morgan (Robbie) Robbins and Lizz (James) Harrington and their grandchildren Harrison Brooks, Hadlee Kate, Landon and Lily. He was preceded in death by his loving parents and cousins Kate House and Helen Compton.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Gail Mayes for her endless love, patience and devoted care during Brooks’s final years.

Funeral services will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church, 6671 Yale Road, Bartlett, TN. on Friday, August 28th, 2026 with a visitation beginning at 1p.m. and memorial service following at 2p.m. with Rev. (and dear friend ) Mike Krech officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that all memorial donations be made to Grace Presbyterian Church.