Mr. Willie Kelly Brooks, Sr.

Mr. Willie Kelly Brooks, Sr. passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at his residence. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Tennille Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Walden officiating. Interment was held in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens.

He was born on June 25, 1948, the second of eight children parented by the late Mr. Willie Brooks, Jr. and the late Mrs. Precious Duggans Brooks.

He was preceded in death by two sisters: Ms. Mattie Bell Brooks and Mrs. Gail Elizabeth Brooks Durden.

Kelly attended the public schools of Washington County. He was a member of the 1966 graduating class of T.J. Elder High School. He prided himself on his raw athletic ability on the T.J. Elder Tigers football team.

After high school graduation, he joined the U.S. Army and served a tour of duty in Vietnam where he earned the rank of Sergeant as a member of the 1st Calvary Division. Sergeant Brooks was decorated with the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Air Medal. He later graduated from Georgia Military College with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, and he graduated from Georgia College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice.

He was also a founding and dedicated member of Washington County’s AmVet’s Post #110.

Kelly loved the Washington County Community. He was a lover of people and never met a stranger, quickly befriending everyone he met. He was always active in his community; he was known for his days of butchering, meat cutting and Kelly’s Famous BBQ. He touched the hearts of many with his winning smile, generosity and encouragement. He was especially fond of the youth, motivating them to do something positive with their lives.

Kelly was a member of Tennille Grove Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, church treasurer, member of the trustees board and a member of the male chorus. His motto was, “If I can just help somebody.” He kept his faith throughout his many trials and tribulations with his health.

Kelly leaves to cherish his precious memories, his devoted wife of fifty years: Mrs. Hattie Salter Brooks, Tennille, GA; son: Mr. Willie Kelly (Tonya) Brooks, Jr., Sandersville, GA and daughter: Mrs. Andrea Denice Brooks (Matthanias) Pierce, Lithonia, GA. He was the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren: Kelly J. Brooks, Winston-Salem, NC, Karekin J. Brooks, Philadelphia, PA, Djimon M. Brooks, Atlanta, GA, Kamian J. Brooks, Marietta, GA, Iyanla K. Kitchens, Oxford, MS; Jabari K. Brooks, Javyn K. Brooks, Sandersville, GA; Kylee M. Pierce, Justus J. Pierce, Lithonia, GA.

He is survived by five siblings: Ms. Emma Martin, Ms. Clara King, Ms. Annie P. Brooks, Mr. Sylvester Brooks all of Sandersville, GA; Mrs. Sarah (Dennis) Thompson of Augusta, GA; five sisters-in-law: Ms. Inez Ellison, Mrs. Brenda (Dan) Evans, Ms. Ellen Salter, Tennille, GA, Ms. Mary Massey of Sandersville, GA, Mrs. Linda (Thomas) Stubbs of Covington, GA; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. M.C. Smith Funeral Home in charge.