Gary Brooks' Obituary
Gary Lewis Brooks died peacefully, with a heart full of gratitude for his family, friends, and support system, at his home in Davidson, N.C., on August 24, 2025. He was 67 years old.
Charlie Brown: "One day, we will die Snoopy..." Snoopy: "Yes, but every other day we will live..."
Between his birth and his death, Gary did a whole lot of living.
Gary came into this world on April 11, 1958, as the little brother of David Brooks and son of Neal and Opalee Brooks. He was preceded in death by his parents and his youngest son, Dylan Brooks. Growing up in Harrogate, TN, Gary knew the value of hard work - helping in the tobacco fields and putting up hay. Gary attended Kindergarten through the eighth grade in a one-room schoolhouse. In high school he played basketball, enjoyed his friends, and loved to joke that at his small high school, he graduated 2nd in his class but was not in the top 10%! Gary's late Aunt Cleo Jordan encouraged him to continue his education. As a first-generation college student he earned a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University, picking up life-long friends along the way; followed by a Master's of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte through night classes with good friends. Throughout his 41 years working at IBM in product development, he had the privilege to work with great people and make lasting friendships.
Gary cherished his family. His boys brought him endless joy - playing in the pool, coaching their teams, driveway basketball, rounds of disc golf, and camping. He enjoyed building computers and talking over coffee with Austin; riding motorcycles and fishing with Logan; and watching Dylan play rugby. The whole family created many happy memories at ‘his’ woods in Traphill, N.C. - paintballing from the treehouse he built, go-karting and 4-wheeling around the trails he cleared, shooting guns on the range he built, and spending nights in the travel trailer with a few mice.
One of Gary's dreams was to build a log cabin with his wife, Kathy Brooks, of 41 years. Even though that dream was cut short by his ALS diagnosis, Gary’s enjoyment of life never was. He used to say ‘If I died today, I’d die a happy man because I’ve had a great life.’ For Gary, there was no Plan B in marriage, so he worked hard on Plan A. Gary and Kathy went on weekly dates when the boys were young and enjoyed just being together.
The outdoors was Gary’s ‘happy place’. Whether bush-hogging on his tractor or sitting in his tree stand watching the sunrise/sunset, nature was his second home. He shared this love with his brother, David. Growing up in East Tennessee gave them many opportunities to play in the creek, build a log cabin, throw rocks at each other, or be sent to work in different fields when they got in trouble with their mom. As adults, hikes to White Rocks VA, caving, and visits together with family allowed their special bond to continue.
Gary was blessed with awesome friends, and in turn he blessed them with his smile and quick wit. For many years Gary was the ‘travel agent’ for his treasured rides across the country with his motorcycle ‘gang’. In the fall, Gary loved his time fishing at Hatteras with good friends where he usually brought home more sand than fish, and the opening weekend of hunting was always a favorite. For over 30 years he enjoyed Friday breakfasts before work with his friends. Once he finally retired, they became Thursday lunches! Whether he was riding, fishing, hunting, eating or meeting with his men’s small group for coffee, he always came away with a new story.
Gary loved Jesus and as a devoted member of First Baptist Church Huntersville for over 30 years, he served as a deacon as well as various other roles. Most recently, he served at Angels and Sparrows and called the homebound. He also very much enjoyed the fellowship of his men’s small group.
In addition to Kathy, he leaves behind his sons Austin Brooks of Mooresville, N.C. and Logan Brooks (Amy) of Greenville, S.C. He is also survived by his brother David Brooks (Vickie), his mother-in-law Dorothy Brown, and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Debbie and Scott Sellers. In addition, he loved and was loved by his nephews, great-nieces, and cousins. Gary is also survived by his best friend, Jack Kirkland, and many, many more dear friends.
Having had a terminal diagnosis for six years, Gary had the opportunity to 'view his life' through his family and friends who reached out to him and Kathy with their love and support through visits, calls, cards, meals, and most importantly, their prayers. Gary leaves behind a legacy marked by the deep bonds he formed with his family and friends and his service to the Lord. He will also be remembered for his awesome smile, watching the entertaining squirrels and birds at his bedroom window, and for nearly wearing out Chick-fil-A’s chocolate milkshake machine!
His family is forever grateful for the wonderful care Gary received from VIA Health Partners Hospice Care, Atrium Health ALS Center, Joe Martin ALS Foundation, Homewatch CareGivers, Dr. Laura Skinner, and Dr. Sandrine Martin.
A celebration of life service for Gary will be held on Monday, September 1, 2025, at 2 P.M. at First Baptist Church Huntersville. Those who cannot attend, the service can be accessed at 2 P.M. at this link https://facebook.com/fbchuntersville on the church's Facebook page. The family will be receiving friends for a time of visitation on Sunday, August 31, from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. at James Funeral Home in Huntersville, NC.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Huntersville's Youth Ministry or the Joe Martin ALS Foundation.
Watch Gary’s slideshow here: https://www.tributeslides.com/videos/embedded_video/W5D44XBY88BH86WQ
James Funeral Home, of Huntersville, is serving the family and obituary lovingly written by the family.
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