Cpl. Rhett Alan Brooks

Cpl. Rhett Alan Brooks, 25, of Arden, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, January 16, 2021.

As the eldest brother of 4 boys, Rhett was a natural caretaker from an early age. Self-appointed in his role, he took on the task of watching over his younger siblings with eager seriousness. It was clear from his youngest years that Rhett wanted to protect and defend the weak, to watch over those who couldn’t take care of themselves. He was born a guardian.

Rhett never missed an opportunity for a good laugh, even at his own expense. With a charm that lit up any room he entered, he was easy to love and to feel loved by. His warmth and kind spirit were evident in his passion for working with children. Rhett was never afraid to be himself and was firm in his own convictions from an early age. He was an unapologetic patriot who loved his country, serving as a proud Marine and eternally a keeper of his brothers. He had a passion and dedication for Martial Arts, holding a 4th-degree black belt in Premier, 3rd-degree black belt in White Oak, 1st-degree black belt in Superfoot Kick-Boxing and 1st-degree black belt in Budo Jujitsu.

The legacy he leaves behind is one of unbreakable brotherhood, a dedication to honor and justice, and a strong family bond that not only included his blood relatives but those he brought under his wing along the way. In losing Rhett, we do not simply lose a brother, a son, a beloved family member. We have lost a bright light, a champion for the defenseless, a leader among brothers in arms, and a friend to the friendless.

We have always been and will forever continue to be, so incredibly proud of the man Rhett was working to become.

Rhett is survived by his father and step-mother, David and Stephanie Pope Brooks; his mother, Ceyanne Elizabeth Hall; three brothers, Collin, Parker and Noah Brooks; paternal grandparents, Neil and Rebecca Brooks; maternal grandparents, Charles and Sherite Hall; step-grandparents, John and Frieda Pope; aunt, Erin Brooks; two uncles, Blake Hall and his wife, Julie and Justin Pope and his wife, Ashley as well as numerous other extended family members.

Rhett will lie in repose from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 24, at Riverside Cemetery in Asheville with military honors provided by the United States Marine Corps.

The family graciously asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Rhett’s memory to ABCCM.