Bruce K. Brooks

Bruce Keith Brooks, 59, of Valley, AL passed away on October 2, 2024. He is survived by his wife 39 years, Janice Butts Brooks, daughter Holli Fairchild (Keyton)and son Ryan Brooks.

He was a 1983 graduate from Baker High School. Bruce was a veteran of the United States Air Force from 1984 to 1988. As a newly married couple, he and Janice lived in Greece which sparked their love of travel. He spent a career in telecommunications and engaged in several business ventures over the years. He was an industrious worker, but always made time for his family and friends. He was always up for a boat ride, a drink or three, a short fishing trip often finding a way to stretch something fun into a long weekend to Indian Pass or Fort Walton Beach, FL. He would light up a room when he entered with his boisterous laugh, cheerful smile and love for others. He loved to make people laugh with a joke, sharing a new song he discovered, a new recipe he found on YouTube, his love for his mother’s home country, Germany, the love for the USA, his love for God or even a new sighting of Big Foot. He never met a stranger, was quick to tell someone he loved them, and was always first to lend a hand. Bruce’s heart was pure, judgment free, and he gave fully of himself to love unconditionally.

Bruce fiercely loved his family. He was so proud of Janice and her vocation as a nurse, recollecting recently that he was jealous that she was able to help people in a way that he could not. Bruce made it clear that he was an organ donor, tangibly extending life to others in his death…that’s Bruce. He reveled in the independence of both Holli and Ryan. He loved their sense of adventure and was so proud of their decisions to serve others in Psychology and the Coast Guard. He was the Brooks’ and Butts’ Family’s calm, listening and concerned ear…The Mediator and quintessential Peacemaker.

Bruce was devout in his faith. A member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Pine Mountain, GA, Bruce served as lay minister and director of the youth group leading several groups to Diocesan Youth and National Catholic Youth Conferences. He positively impacted the lives of many youths helping them seek Christ in daily life. He loved The Lord and was proud of his Catholic heritage. He so valued his church community and in turn, was deeply endeared by the Christ the King parishioners.

He is preceded in death by his brother Peter Brooks and his father-in-law, Louie Frank Butts. He is survived by his wife, Janice; daughter Holli Fairchild (Keyton); son Ryan; parents Ron and Elisabeth Brooks; siblings Ron Brooks, Tom Brooks (Sheila), Arleen Hebert (Real); uncle Jerry Brooks; brother-in-laws Greg Butts (Brenda Hodnett), Timothy Butts and Brent Butts; mother-in-law Deloris Butts; lifelong partner in crime David Treadway (Martha), and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins in the U.S. and Hammelburg, Germany.

Services will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday October 10th at Christ the King Catholic Church 6740 GA HWY 354, Pine Mountain, GA 31822. There will be a reception in the Parish Hall following the service for anyone who would like to pay additional respects to the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Outreach at Christ the King Catholic Church, PO Box 899, Pine Mountain, GA 31822.

We are so thankful for Bruce, truly blessed for the fleeting time we had with him. His absence has created a big hole in our hearts and an eternal loss that can never be replaced. He possessed the finest qualities that all men should strive to attain. Bruce was such a bright light and embodied what it meant to be ‘good’. We are comforted and encouraged in the legacy that he leaves. His light will continue to shine brightly in us all.