Luther Ray Brooks of Bonifay, Florida, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Southeast Medical Center in Dothan, Alabama. He was 89 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 pm on Friday, February 18, 2022, at Peel Funeral Home in Bonifay, Florida. Visitation will be from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm with services to be conducted by the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A private graveside ceremony will follow at Bonifay Cemetery with Peel Funeral Home directing. Flowers will be accepted.
Ray was born on June 5, 1932, to the late Algie and Rillie Brooks. At 14 years old he worked as a newspaper delivery boy and gas truck driver for his uncle, proving that the tenacity he was so well known for came at a young age. After serving in the National Guard, Ray took a job working for the railroad where he retired after 46 years, several mergers, and many relocations. After retirement, Ray settled in Bonifay where he was private but enjoyed swimming, riding his bicycle, and landscaping his yard. He rejoiced in the successes of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss him greatly.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Betty Jo Helms Brooks, his sister, Hazel Helms, brother Ronnie Brooks, and in-laws Jesse and Gladys Helms.
He is survived by his son, Rusty Brooks (wife Paula Brooks) of Athens, Georgia, and daughter, Jo Ellen Simmons (husband Winston Simmons) of Coffee Springs, Alabama; niece, Diane Stewart; grandchildren, Ty Brooks (wife Anna Belle Woods-Brooks), Kelsey Brooks (husband Michael Clancy), Joshua Simmons (wife Rachel Simmons), and Jessica Simmons (fiancé Jake Ellenburg); great-grandchildren Faryn Woods-Brooks, Tatum Woods-Brooks, and Celina Brooks; sisters Vonzie Jenkins, Bobbie Williamson, Shirley Wilkins, Mary Ann Cooper; brothers Royce Brooks, Roger Brooks, and Rickey Brooks; brother-in-law Jimmy Helms; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Family requests masks and social distancing at both the visitation and funeral.