Gerald “Gerry” Lee Brooks

Born at home in Crockett, Virginia on December 4th , 1944, Gerald “Gerry” Lee Brooks
was the eldest son of Elmer and Cerena Brooks. He is survived by his wife and
“Sweetie” Carolyn, his sons Shanon and Randy, his stepchildren Lauree and Julian, his
constant companion and favorite fur baby Mayzee Mae, a slew of grand and great-
grandchildren, and a large extended family.

Gerry retired as a sergeant from the Forsyth County Detention Center after twenty years
of service. He also thoroughly enjoyed being a CPR/First Aid Instructor with Forsyth
Technical Community College for many years. A proud veteran of the United States Air
Force, he served as a Weapons Load Crew Chief in Germany.

Gerry’s personal passions soar through the sky and rip up roads. He will be
remembered for teaching his family about the sky, the stars, and the beauty that is
above. Gerry could name about every airplane, helicopter, and fighter ever made and
was privileged to fly in many of them. Even though he didn’t get to fulfill his dream of
flying in a J3 Cub, he was able to sky dive for the first time at age 77. A car lover, Gerry
owned many classic vehicles throughout his life. His favorite personal car was a 2006
Ford Mustang. Gerry experienced driving a Lamborghini Gallardo LP560 and afterwards
stated “that thing will MOVE!”

When recently asked what he was most proud of he answered, “My marriage to your
mom, my boys and their families, you and Julian too, and of course the grandchildren
(greats too).” The world knew Gerry as a faithful, humble man with a servant’s heart. At
home, he was much the same but under the title “Appy.” Appy was the man who made
the best pancakes, who could fix anything his family managed to break, and the one
who quietly held us all together.

Gerry “Appy” Brooks will be celebrated on September 2, 2024 at the Union Cross Fire
Department in Kernersville from 2:00pm-4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests
donations made to New Hope Global Ministries at nhgm.org or by check and mailed to
1071 S. Broadway Street, Forest City, NC 28043.

Tributes