Larry Gaither Brooks
December 31, 1932 ~ March 21, 2024
Born in:
Wilkes Co., NC
Resided in:
Candler, NC
Larry G. Brooks was born on December 31, 1932, in Wilkes County, NC, to Aaron and Blanche Taylor Brooks.
Larry passed away at age 91 on March 21, 2024. He died in a car accident when another driver failed to yield while turning left. His son and daughter were also in the car. His son passed away a week later from injuries sustained in this accident.
He graduated from Mountain View High School in 1951 where he drove the school bus from age 16. After graduation, he joined the Navy and fought in the Korean War on the destroyer, USS Laws. During his Navy days, Larry discovered his interest in engineering.
Upon discharge from the Navy, Larry attended Milwaukee School of Engineering and earned a BS in electrical engineering. He also met his wife during college and was married to Gerry for the next 56 years until she passed away. Larry returned to North Carolina to be close to family for his first job.
Larry worked at American Enka/BASF from the time he graduated college in 1959 until he retired in 1997. He enjoyed his work and after retirement had monthly breakfast with fellow retired colleagues.
Larry was very active in Hominy Baptist Church where he attended regularly. He helped weekly with church maintenance and also delivered weekly meals for the Daily Bread Program.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Geraldine “Gerry” Bundrick Brooks, who passed in 2015.
He was survived by his son, John Larry Brooks, until John unfortunately passed away on March 29, 2024; daughter, Jodene “Jodi” Kortman and husband Michael, of Birmingham, AL; granddaughters, Ashlyn Kortman Peacock (Jacob) and Lauryn Denise Kortman; and brother, Robert Wayne Brooks, of Williamston, NC.
Larry’s family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, at Hominy Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial will then take place at Green Hills Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in memory of Larry to Hominy Baptist Church, 135 Candler School Rd., Candler, NC 28715.
Services
Visitation: April 6, 2024 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Hominy Baptist Church
135 Candler School Road
Candler, NC 28715
(828)667-4541
Funeral Service: April 6, 2024 2:00 pm
Hominy Baptist Church
135 Candler School Road
Candler, NC 28715
(828)667-4541
Burial: April 6, 2024 3:15 pm
Green Hills Cemetery
25 New Leicester Hwy.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-9831
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Without doubt, LARRY is one of the finest human beings I have ever known. Quietly, but deliberately, he dedicated his life in service to other people, and in service to his God. I shall miss him until I see him again.
I worked for Larry for 25 years at American Enka/BASF. One couldn’t ask for a better boss/friend. He was caring, understanding, compassionate, and forgiving. His Christian values were always at the forefront. He was the best of the best and will be sorely missed.
Larry was a true gentleman. I had the great pleasure of working with him for 23 years at American Enka/BASF. He will be greatly missed by family and friends, but will remain in our hearts and fond memories.