Gene Brooks

Cecil Eugene "Gene" Brooks, 81, of Arden, passed away on Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at the Charles George VA Medical Center. An Enka native, Mr. Brooks was a son of the late Charles Homer, Sr., and Lydia Cowan Brooks. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Charles Homer Brooks, Jr., and Shirley Brooks Gentry. Mr. Brooks worked for many years in logistics for Rockwell International and ArvinMeritor. Mr. Brooks was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean Conflict at the White Sands Proving Grounds. He loved the UNC Tar Heels, his dog Neo, gardening, fishing, and his truck. He was a shy, humble man who will be missed beyond comprehension. Mr. Brooks is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Brooks Dalton and husband Thomas Lloyd Dalton; nieces and nephews, Adam Brooks, David Brooks, Ronnie Gentry, Debbie Henry, Susan Gentry, and Terry Gentry; sister-in-law, Phyllis Adams Brooks; his closest friend, Phil Joslin; and his best little buddy, his dog Neo. A memorial service for Mr. Brooks will be at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday at the Groce Funeral Home chapel on Patton Ave. with the Rev. Gwen Hall officiating. Military honors will be performed by the North Carolina Honor Guard. His family will receive friends at Jennifer & Thomas's home following the service.