George Joseph Brooks, Sr., 72, of Roanoke Rapids passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2013. He was the son of the late Lewis Preston and Eleanor Brooks.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Diana L. Brooks; 2 sons, George J. Brooks, Jr. of Roanoke Rapids, Stephen M. Brooks of Raleigh, NC; 3 grandchildren, Evan, Gillian, and Kyle; 2 sisters, Louise Higgins and Nancy Doble of New Jersey; brother, Sonny Brooks of New Jersey; and several nieces and nephews in New Jersey.

George served his country in the United States Army as a Sergeant and was stationed in Germany. He was an employee of Southern Corrosion for over 40 years and also was the owner of several local establishments, Java Junction and Double R Sports Bar.

He was an avid gardener and cook; loved spending time with his grandchildren; and was a big fan of the Philadelphia Flyers and Carolina Hurricanes.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in a ''memory gift'' to Victory Junction of NC, 4500 Adam’s Way, Randleman, NC 27317 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org

A private memorial service will be held later by the family.