Henry Clayton Rooks

He was born in Waynesville, Georgia on April 20, 1919 to Allen John and Sarah Isabella Rooks. He was the last surviving member of his siblings: Viola Drury, Alma Knight, Chester Rooks, Fred Rooks, Sr., Frank Rooks and Clarence Rooks.

He has lived an abundant life and as friends and family can attest, he loved his Lord and Savior with his whole heart. That is the legacy he leaves behind.

He served his country with the U. S. Army during WWII in 1944 and 1945. His military occupational specialty was Cannoneer 844. He fought in Central Europe and was a member of Cannon Company 242 Infantry Regiment, 42nd Rainbow Infantry Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star, WWII Victory Medal, EAMET Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and Marksman Badge. Up until his death, he still recalled being on the “front line” and crossing the Rhine River, spending time in Germany, France and Austria and still at the ripe age of 103 remembered specific details of his “brothers in arm”.

He has always worked hard for his family even when times were extremely hard. He worked in turpentine for a while and drove a pulpwood truck before getting a job with the Federal Government first at Naval Air Station (NAS) Glynco in the 1960’s and later through FLETC. He retired from Civil Service, FLETC in Brunswick, GA in 1987.

He is preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Vinter Clara Rooks, his sons, Joseph Rooks and Lonnie Rooks, his grandchildren, Cynthia Ray, Brian Rooks, Clayton Rooks and Thomas Lee, one great-grandchild and two great-great grandchildren.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Inee Rooks of Gardi, GA, his children, Jerome Rooks of Brunswick, GA, Roy Rooks (Barbara) of Claxton, GA, Linda Lee (Cliff), Glenn Rooks (Pat) and Glenda Patterson of Hortense, GA, step-daughter, Donna Harper of St. Simons island, GA, grandchildren, Leslie Rooks (Barbara), Becky Stokes (Larry), Leon Rooks (Krissy), Donna Dowler (John), Darryl Rooks, Cheryl Lewis, Denise Johns(Kevin), Karen Dean(Bill), Mike Ray, Terri Ray, Michaela Slover(Chris), Melissa Rooks, Melinda Melton and Philip Patterson(Christine), 27 great-grandchildren and 17 great-great grandchildren as well as extended family and friends.

All who knew and loved him are eternally thankful for the legacy he has left hidden in their hearts. They will miss his simple words of wisdom and his humble, heartfelt and powerful prayers.

Visitation of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 beginning at 6:00PM at Trinity Church of the Nazarene, Old Post Road, Hortense, GA where he was a charter member. Funeral remembrance services will be held at the church on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 11:00AM with Rev. Larry Little and Rev. Walter Mingledorff officiating and his beloved Becky Stokes and Lauren Rowell singing songs of tribute in memory of him and a life well lived. Interment will follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery.

Honorary Pallbearers are the Hospice of the Golden Isles, Dr. Scott Clay, his special nurse and granddaughter, Melissa Rooks, grandson, Darryl Rooks, great-grandsons and great-great grandsons.

Pallbearers are grandsons and great-grandsons: Leslie Rooks, Leon Rooks, Michael Ray, Philip Patterson, ,Jordan Melton, Blake Johns, Bryce Dean and Grayson Dean.