Franklin Oscar "Sonny" Brooks

Franklin Oscar “Sonny” Brooks, 73, of Grottoes, went to be with the Lord at his residence surrounded by his loving family on July 7, 2024. He was born February 27, 1951 in Charlottesville to the late John William Brooks Sr. and Lillian Christine Brooks and spent his childhood in Waynesboro. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Lueresia Carol Brooks, a brother, Charles Douglas Brooks, Sr., and an infant sister who died at birth.

Sonny is survived by his wife of 32 years, Stephanie Brooks, his four children, Tosha and Caleb Brooks of Grottoes and Jarrett and Derek Brooks of Richmond; his grandchildren, Tyler Critzer, Malanah Lopez Brooks, and Milo Lopez Brooks; a brother, John William Brooks Jr., many nieces, nephews, and cousins and his special “fur baby”, Tilly Mae.

Sonny wore many hats over the years in the workforce. From being an officer with the Waynesboro Police Department, to a nursing supervisor at Western State Hospital, to an illustrious career in the automotive industry with some insurances sales in between, Sonny’s life was dedicated to the service of others. Upon retirement, he enjoyed driving motorcoach for Blue Ridge Tours supporting James Madison University.

Sonny believed in the importance of education and deeply valued his own as it supported all areas of his life’s work. He was a graduate of Waynesboro High School. After high school, he went to complete his studies at Virginia Seminary and College in Lynchburg. He later received an Associate’s degree in Nursing from Blue Ridge Community College, a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Western Governors University, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix.

As an ordained minister, Sonny delivered the word of God to many congregations all over Virginia. He was a member of St. James Baptist Church in Waynesboro. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, boating, and traveling. But most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. Sonny was known and loved by many and will be deeply missed.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Intrepid USA Healthcare of Staunton with a special thank you to Ashley Walus, her husband Alan Cable, and Josh Eastridge. The family also offers a sincere thanks to his special cousins, Alice Woods and Annie Toles and his dear friend Vivian Howard for their support over the last few years.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 11, 2024 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Charlton and Groome Funeral Home, Fishersville.

A Celebration of his life will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, July 12, 2024 at St. James Baptist Church, 1094 Albemarle Avenue, Waynesboro, conducted by Bishop Michael A Turner, with interment to follow in Mt. Marine Baptist Church Cemetery, Fishersville.  Serving as Active Pallbearers will be Jarrett Brooks, Caleb Brooks, Tyler Critzer, K. J. Smith, Matthew Wonderley, Dougie Brooks, Billy Brooks and Tracy Blair. Honorary Pallbearers will be Derek Brooks, Braylon Brooks, Braxton Brooks, Douglass Brown, Michael Brown, and Brandon Williams.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the Augusta Regional SPCA of Staunton.

Share memories and condolences at www.charltonandgroomefuneralhome.com.

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