Today our walk was dedicated in honor of :
Air Force Veteran Jeffrey E. Brooks, Age 74 of Pendleton, SC.
Died Mar. 26, 2024
Growing up, he had many interests, including
swimming, scuba diving, golf, and Boy Scouts. Following in his father’s footsteps, he achieved
the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in scouting, which he considered one of the many great
achievements of his life.
While in high school, he found a love for aviation after taking his first small plane ride with the father of one of his high school friends. His loves of flying and the water followed him to Clemson University, where he joined Air Force ROTC, the Scuba Club, and the Diving Team.
He earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and was commissioned into the Air Force in 1971.
While pursuing his love of aviation and engineering, he found his true love in life, his future wife, Liz. Meeting in their senior year, they were engaged within a month. They were married a year later right after Jeff completed his pilot training. They said their first year was the hardest
they ever faced as Jeff was in Thailand flying for the Air Force during the Vietnam conflict while Liz was in Colorado. After that, they knew they could face anything as long as they were together. And they did for 52 beautiful years of marriage.
After 6 years flying for the Air Force, Jeff left the military at the rank of Captain in 1977, moved to Pendleton, SC, and put his degree to use as a Design Engineer. Over the years, Jeff worked for
Saco-Lowell, Michelin, Hartness International, and ITT of Westminster, where he finally retired in 2014.
Jeff continued his service to others through his works as a Cubmaster for Pack 94 and later Scoutmaster of Troop 94 in the Blue Ridge Council of the Boy Scouts of America while his sons were going through the program. After retirement, he enjoyed serving the community through the Elks Lodge of Pendleton serving as their treasurer until the time of his death.
Above all, Jeff was committed to his family and friends. He was a fierce defender of anyone that he had love for. He was a dedicated and loving father, grandfather, brother, and brother-in-law. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son Robert Jeffrey Cannon Brooks and his wife,
Jennifer, and their children, Benjamin Edward Brooks and Lydia Taylor Brooks all of Newport News, VA and his son Matthew Alan Brooks and his wife, Stephanie, and their children, Jonathan David Brooks and Marshall James Brooks all of Zionsville, IN. He leaves behind his
sister Karen King and her husband, Ron, of Manassas, VA and his sister Linda Crossan and her husband, Jeff, of Franklin, TN and their children, Sara Crossan and Jon Crossan. He also leaves
behind his wife’s brother and sisters, Ken Hancock, Julie Hancock Stoudenmire (Mark), Leslie Hancock Baggott, and Allison Hancock Padgett and their children and grandchildren, for whom
he had an overwhelming love and closeness.
Jeff lived a very full life, and his favorite moments were being able to recount the many lively stories he had amassed over his time on this earth. Above all else, he was very proud of his children and grandchildren and their achievements, and he treasured his family and his wife. He will be missed by all who truly knew him.
It was an honor to walk 10.15 Miles with Air Force Veteran Jeffrey E. Brooks. We started out by walking by Holiday Hills Lake and then we walked Miller Ave to Lantana Road where we headed towards town. As soon as we hit main street we turned on Stanley Street and walked back to Miller Ave. We then walked 4th street back into town and made a stop at the Veterans Memorial Park where we read several names of our brothers on the Memorial Wall. We then headed up main street and turned on Miller Ave. We then headed back north on Livingston Road and then cut back over to 127. We walked to Walker Hill Circle by Jacks Barber Shop and then headed back south. We turned by Flowers Bakery and crossed over to West Ave. We then worked our way back to the house. On our walk today we noticed several of our local businesses flying our beautiful colors. You can see in my photo’s. We thank you very much for flying our colors. It means more to some of us then anyone will ever know. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted today in helping me honor this hero. We had 348 honks today. It was amazing. Thank you.
Air Force Veteran Jeffrey E. Brooks will not be forgotten !
Thank you, Tim French and all the participants who honored my brother, Jeff. Such a moving tribute and it captured his legacy. We all miss him and will love him forever. Best to all of you.
I know Jeff would have been so appreciative of this honor walk you took with him today. His time in the military was probably the most impactful period of his life, and he was always supportive and dedicated to those in the service. He especially identified with Vietnam veterans and held them in high regard.
Thank you so much for all you do to bring honor and attention to our brave and self sacrificing service members.