Robert Merrell "Robby" Brooks

Mr. Robert Merrell "Robby" Brooks, age 68, of Thomaston, entered the gates of heaven on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at his residence surrounded by family. Acelebration of life service will be held on Saturday, June 1, at Calvary's Lighthouse Church at 2:00 PM with Pastor Mark Mercer officiating.  A memory basket will be provided at the church for anyone who would like to share aspecial memory of Robby.

 

Robby was born on June 11, 1955, in Thomaston, to the late Merrell Lewis

Brooks and the late Madie Wade Brooks.  He was a graduate of R. E. Lee

Institute.  After high school he studied and became a master welder.  He

could fabricate anything using metal and a welding machine. He could often

be found in his shop creating whatever his heart desired.  He was employed

by Thomaston Mills from 1978 until their closure in 2000.  He then was

employed by the Georgia Department of Transportation from 2000 until his

retirement in 2017.  After retirement he enjoyed his passions of hunting,

fishing, metal fabrication, gardening, cooking, spending time with family,

and ministering.  He was very active in his church and was an ordained

minister.  He never met a stranger and readily shared his testimony of God's

work in his life.  Above all else, Robby's life was defined by sharing his

joy in Christ.  His absence will be felt by all who knew and loved him, and

his legacy will live on through everyone he touched.  If you were fortunate

enough to hear his testimony, you would surely be touched very deeply by the

Holy Spirit that guided him.

 

In addition to his parents, Robby was preceded in death by his

father-in-law, Frank Van Houten and his mother-in-law, Ruby Van Houten.  He

is survived by his loving wife, Debbie Van Houten Brooks and his devoted

son, Shannon Brooks (Lori); three grandchildren: Colton Brooks (Alisha),

Kristen Brooks (Chris), and Matthew Brooks; four great grandchildren:

Madison Brooks, Camden Brooks, Riley Richardson, and Anna Kolllin Brooks; a

brother, Bill Brooks (Vanessa); aunts: Marie Marshall and Martha Barfield;

brother-in-law, Ronnie Van Houten (Glenda), two special nieces, Lisa

Caldwell and Michele Harrell (Duane) who were excellent caregivers; special

cousins, Greg and Tonya Marshall who were on the journey with us; nephew,

John Van Houten ((Erika), and niece, Christy Futch.  Many great nieces,

great nephews, family members, and friends also survive.

 

Robby's  bonus family include Pastors Mark and Marsha Mercer; grandchildren:

Justin Mercer (Haley), Matthew Mercer; Hailey Brown (Chandler), Maddie

Mercer (Love Muffin); and great grandchildren: Kinley, Kooper, Kam, Jax, and

Rhett Mercer, and  Brantley Brown. 

 

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Thomaston

Hospice for the excellent care and compassion shown to Robby and to us.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude

Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38205.

 

Fletcher-Day Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. Condolences and

remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.