Mr. Robert Merrell "Robby" Brooks

Mr. Robert Merrell "Robby" Brooks, age 68, of Thomaston, entered the gates of heaven on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at his residence surrounded by family.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, June 1, at Calvary's Lighthouse Church at 2:00 PM with Pastor Mark Mercer officiating.  A memory basket will be provided at the church for anyone who would like to share a special memory of Robby. The family will receive friends following the service.

Robby was born on June 11, 1955, in Thomaston, to the late Merrell Lewis Brooks and the late Madie Wade Brooks.  He was a graduate of R. E. Lee Institute.  After high school he studied and became a master welder.  He could fabricate anything using metal and a welding machine. He could often be found in his shop creating whatever his heart desired.  He was employed by Thomaston Mills from 1978 until their closure in 2000.  He then was employed by the Georgia Department of Transportation from 2000 until his retirement in 2017.  After retirement he enjoyed his passions of hunting, fishing, metal fabrication, gardening, cooking, spending time with family, and ministering.  He was very active in his church and was an ordained minister.  He never met a stranger and readily shared his testimony of God's work in his life.  Above all else, Robby's life was defined by sharing his joy in Christ.  His absence will be felt by all who knew and loved him, and his legacy will live on through everyone he touched.  If you were fortunate enough to hear his testimony, you would surely be touched very deeply by the Holy Spirit that guided him.

In addition to his parents, Robby was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Frank Van Houten and his mother-in-law, Ruby Van Houten.  He is survived by his loving wife, Debbie Van Houten Brooks and his devoted son, Shannon Brooks (Lori); three grandchildren: Colton Brooks (Alisha), Kristen Brooks (Chris), and Matthew Brooks; four great grandchildren: Madison Brooks, Camden Brooks, Riley Richardson, and Anna Kolllin Brooks; a brother, Bill Brooks (Vanessa); aunts: Marie Marshall and Martha Barfield; brother-in-law, Ronnie Van Houten (Glenda), two special nieces, Lisa Caldwell and Michele Harrell (Duane) who were excellent caregivers; special cousins, Greg and Tonya Marshall who were on the journey with us; nephew, John Van Houten ((Erika), and niece, Christy Futch.  Many great nieces, great nephews, family members, and friends also survive.

Robby's  bonus family include Pastors Mark and Marsha Mercer; grandchildren: Justin Mercer (Haley), Matthew Mercer; Hailey Brown (Chandler), Maddie Mercer (Love Muffin); and great grandchildren: Kinley, Kooper, Kam, Jax, and Rhett Mercer, and  Brantley Brown.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Thomaston Hospice for the excellent care and compassion shown to Robby and to us.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38205.

Fletcher-Day Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.