Thomas Brooks Taylor III

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of T. Brooks Taylor III, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, cousin, and friend. Brooks passed away in Daytona Beach peacefully on August 5, 2025, at the age of 71, surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of generosity, perseverance, and joy.

Brooks was born on July 13, 1954, in Nueces County, Texas. Brooks was the eldest and only boy among six grandchildren. As a child, he shared countless treasured weekends with his cousins at their grandparents’ home - a loving haven in the heart of the city that became a magical playground and a lifelong source of cherished memories. Known for his easy laughter and claims of being blamed for everything by his girl cousins, Brooks was truly the heart of those youthful adventures.

Though his family moved to St. Louis, Brooks returned to Houston in his teens to live with his grandparents, rekindling the strong bonds with his extended family. Over the years, he became a bright and dependable presence at family gatherings, always arriving with thoughtful gifts - special coins for the kids and wine or exotic beers for the adults. His generosity, both material and emotional, never went unnoticed.

Brooks graduated from Lee High School in Houston and later attended the University of Houston before proudly serving in the U.S. Navy. He built a successful career largely through his own hard work, curiosity, and determination. He worked in the oil and gas industry as a data gathering/analyst/management for Shell Pennzoil, BP, and many others. A self-taught expert in his field, he took great pride in his work and never missed a chance to express his gratitude for the life he had built.

Brooks is survived by his wife, Mary Isabel Taylor, his daughter, Aniseta Galvan Taylor, his stepson Lester Anthony Taylor, his grandchildren, and a small but loving family in Houston. When Brooks visited his Houston family in April 2025, he was full of life – happy and proud. He often said how lucky he felt, and in his own words, "we have everything we need." Brooks’s life may have had a rocky start, but he found his way to a beautiful happy ending.

In recent years, Brooks found deep joy and fulfillment in his life with his beloved wife, Mary. Together, they embarked on a new chapter in Florida, embracing the challenge of renovating their home and cultivating a beautiful garden. But what brought Brooks the greatest happiness was his role as “Daddo” - a title passed down from generations - to his adored grandchildren, Liam and Mila. His pride in them was immense and unshakable.

Burial with Military Honors for Brooks will be held Friday, August 15, 2025, at 9:30 am at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US Highway 1, Mims, FL 32754.