T.F. “Ghee” Brooks, Jr. slipped into the arms of his Savior surrounded by his family on Saturday, November 4th.  His first and only stay in the hospital in his 95 years was brief and ended in glory.

He leaves his wife of 75 years, Helen (Pigue) Brooks (“Mammaw”), his two sons Steve and wife Sue and Paul and wife Kay, four grandchildren, Todd, Jill (Brooks) Allen, Mark and Scott, and ten great-grandchildren.

Born to Thomas F. Brooks, Sr. and Bessie Ann (Williams) Brooks on April 4, 1922, in Bells, TN. Ghee was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942 and graduated from Infantry Officer Candidate School in 1943.  In his career with the Army, he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, and his family followed him on extended assignments in Germany and Japan.

Ghee retired from active service in 1968 and eventually settled in Fort Walton Beach, in 1981.  An avid golfer, he walked the Shalimar Pointe Golf Course several days a week for nearly 30 years.  He also loved extended walks on the beach at Okaloosa Island, especially with his grand- and great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly and who loved him back ferociously.

Ghee was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church and set an incredible Christian example for his family.  He read his Bible every day and did his best to live by it.  Like Jesus, he always sought to love all people and give them the benefit of the doubt.

A funeral service will be held at First Methodist Church in Fort Walton Beach, Florida at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 7, 2017.    Graveside services will be held at Bells Cemetery , Margin Ave.,  Bells, Tennessee, 38006. On Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made in his name to First Methodist Church, 103 1st. Street, SE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida. 32548.

The family guestbook may be signed on line at www.McALughlinMortuary.com

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