Philip Brian Rooks

Philip Brian Rooks, born March 21, 1942, entered the presence of his Savior on his eighty-third birthday on March 21, 2025. Brian is no doubt singing praises to God, playing piano and harmonica, and enjoying the fellowship of believers. Brian joins his beloved wife of 60 years, Carolyn Rooks, who passed just six months earlier. Brian was loved and will be missed by his children Rhonda Rooks McDavid (Tripp), Philip Rooks (Catherine); his brother Ronald Rooks (Karen). Brian was “Grandaddy” to Maggie and Matthew McDavid; Drew, Dylan, Amber, Dustin, and Haley Rooks; and Allison Oswalt.

Brian was born on March 21, 1942, to Loran and Monette Rooks in Cantonment, FL where he spent his childhood and graduated from Tate High School in 1960. Brian decided to follow Jesus Christ as a teen and was faithful his entire life, continuing a legacy of God’s grace modeled by his parents and grandparents. Brian loved his Lord and people. He was a faithful Christian, husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Brian graduated from Mississippi College in 1964 and married his soul mate, Carolyn Chenualt on August 1, 1964. His life’s work and passion began in their first home in Tuscaloosa, AL where both his sales career and his passion for University of Alabama football and basketball were born. Brian was a talented sales professional and industry leader for over 40 years selling legal publications throughout his career with Lawyer’s Cooperative and WestLaw, and winning numerous awards and trips that he and Carolyn enjoyed until his retirement. Brian had a natural talent for music and loved playing piano, harmonica and singing in the choir. He was a founding member of UA Tide Pride, and everyone knew how much Brian enjoyed every game. Brian and Carolyn made Birmingham home in 1968 and raised their children to seek God at McElwain Baptist Church from 1968-1988 where Brian served as deacon and choir member. Dawson Baptist Church was their home church since 1989 where Brian and Carolyn were both loved by lifelong friends in the Wilson/Wear Chapel Life Group and Dawsonaires choir. Brian was determined to never miss a Sunday worship, Wednesday Bible Study, Dawsonaires choir, or his daily devotion. He was faithful. Only joining his Savior in heaven keeps him from renewing his Crimson Tide season ticket order.

Visitation at 10:00 am and a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 am led by Tommy Sanders, Associate Pastor, Dawson Memorial Baptist Church will be held at Southern Heritage Funeral Home and Cemetery, 475 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham, AL.