Russell James Brooks Jr.

We have lost another member of the greatest generation. Russell James Brooks, Jr., 97, of Lakewood Manor passed into eternal life to meet his Lord and Savior on January 28. A humble man of strong faith and great integrity, Russ served in WWII in the 20th Air Force Bombardment Squadron. He retired, after 50 years, from Anderson and Strudwick brokerage firm. He was a long-time member of Richmond’s First Baptist Church, where he met his wife, Mary Ellen, the love of his life. They enjoyed traveling and ballroom dancing with the Candlelight Club. Russ also found pleasure in big band music, reading, baseball, walks, following the stock market, and in his later years, people watching, preferably on a warm sunny day.

He was preceded in death by his father, Russell James Brooks, Sr.; mother, Virginia Mosby Brooks, brother, Stuart Brooks; sisters, Margaret Brooks and Frances Perdue, Russ’ beloved wife of 59 years, Mary Ellen Walthall Brooks and son in law, Stephen Kendrick Fetrow. He is survived by his son, Russell James Brooks, III and his wife Beth Gentry Brooks, his daughter, Donna Brooks Fetrow, Sister, Phyllis Childrey, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service for Russ will be on Friday, February 16 at 2:00 in the Simms Center at Lakewood Manor; 1900 Lauderdale Dr. The family wishes to express their profound appreciation to the healthcare providers, residents, and staff of Lakewood Manor and Bon Secours Hospice for their support and loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Richmond’s First Baptist Church 2709 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA, 23220 or the Endowment Fund for Benevolence (designate for LMW), 3961 Stillman Parkway, Glen Allen, VA, 23060. Russ and Mary Ellen are dancing on a cloud.