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Charles Brooks

1934 - 2014

Charles Brooks obituary, 1934-2014, Longwood, FL

BORN

1934

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel & Oaklawn Cemetery

5000 County Road 46A

Sanford, Florida

Charles Brooks Obituary

Brooks, Charles Charles Edward Brooks, 80, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2014, at his home in Lake Mary, Florida after a five year battle with cancer. He was born on April 20, 1934 in Buchanan, Georgia to Joseph Samuel Brooks and Maureen Holcombe Brooks. Charles grew up in Lake Worth, Florida and graduated from Lake Worth High School in 1952. After high school he attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, but interrupted his college education to serve in the army. Upon his discharge in 1956, he returned to UF where he received a BS degree in Business Administration in 1958. He, then, began his career with Prudential Insurance Company in their Appraising and Mortgage Lending Division. Between 1963 and 1966 he completed the construction, sale and financing of over 500 homes in Brevard County, Florida for Charter Mortgage Company. Upon leaving Charter in 1966, Charles formed C. E. Brooks Mortgage Company, Inc., a full service mortgage banking firm. The transformation from mortgage banking began in 1973 with his first motel opening in Gainesville, Florida. For nearly five decades, he has owned or managed various office buildings and hotels in five states in the Southeast. He was a past president and founding member of the Econo Lodges of America Franchisee Association, Inc. and on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for more than twenty years; a past president elect of the Merritt Island Chamber of Commerce; a past president of the Mortgage Bankers Association of Brevard County; served as a director of a bank holding company, a life insurance company, title insurance company and a mental health facility; and a member of the Orlando and National Board of Realtors. Charles was a life member of the Citrus Club, a life member of Sweetwater Highlands Golf & Country Club and member of The Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes. First and foremost he dearly loved all his family. He loved golfing, flying, sailing, his antique cars and sports - football, baseball, basketball & more recently soccer. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Cynthia Mann Brooks; daughter, Cynthia Jean Brooks of Merritt Island; son, Charles E. "Chuck" Brooks, Jr. of Altamonte Springs; daughter, Jennifer (Alex) Acosta of Lake Mary; daughter, Stephanie (Jeff) Vangilder of Palm Bay; and three grandchildren, Aislyn, Braydon & Chase. He is also survived by his Mother, Maureen Brooks of Merritt Island; sister, Betty Rudd of Bronson; sister, Loreece Cabaniss of Merritt Island; brother, Robert "Bob" (Donna) Brooks of Orlando; brother-in-law, Ed (Dianne) Mann of Sugar Hill, Georgia; sister-in-law, Karen (Russell) Teutsch of Bossier City, Louisiana; sister-in-law, Annette Mann of Sanford; four aunts and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of lifelong friends. He was preceded by his Father, Joseph Brooks. Funeral services will be held at Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn, 5000 County Road 46A, Sanford, Florida on Wednesday, August 20 at 12:00 PM. Visitation will be held prior to the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Afterwards the family will be greeting friends and relatives at Heathrow Country Club, 1200 Bridgewater Drive, Heathrow, Florida. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Charles' memory to LWHS Dollars for Scholars or to Hospice of the Comforter at www.hospiceofthecomforter.org. Please visit www.baldwinfairchild.com to sign the online guest book.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Orlando Sentinel on Aug. 17, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Brooks

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Ed Davis

June 15, 2015

Charlie, We miss you so much and you are always in my thoughts. You made a huge impact on so many people and was such a role model for good. As you look down from heaven, I pray that someday we will reconnect.

Ed Davos

Denise Duncan

June 14, 2015

Your validation of the person right in front of you Charles was a gift you possessed. This gift was included in all you encountered.
Your love and attention to Cindy, your Mom and family was extraordinary and refreshing.
Much love to you Cindy, and your family and friends. I hope bringing him with you in your mind and heart will be comforting and strengthening.

Renee Thompson

November 7, 2014

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Helen & Phil Fischer

September 23, 2014

Dear Cindy, Phil and I are very saddened to learn of Charlie's passing. We will always remember how kind and thoughtful Charlie was to us through our phone conversation. We felt as though we had known you both in our lifetime. Loving thoughts to you...Helen and Phil

Bill Jordan

August 27, 2014

Charles was a lifelong friend and classmate. We always appreciated his efforts in making our class reunions always successful and enjoyable. We also shared a love for old antique cars.

Dave and Kay Cantley

August 24, 2014

I became friends with Charlie while attending his annual Lake Worth High School Reunions at his hotel, first in Cocoa Beach and later at his Comfort Suite Hotel in Kissimmee. He was delighted to host the reunions at a greatly reduced cost to LW High alums. It was apparent to all of us that Charlie was really in his element when he and Cindy greeted us every year on the weekend after Mother's Day. I was principal at Lake Worth High long after Charlie graduated but he always wanted me to attend the reunions. Every year at the reunion on the final night he would say to me "Dave, I would like for you to say a few words about the school, the alumni foundation and Dollars for Scholars. He was a very generous man and a first class gentleman. On behalf of all members of Charlie's Lake Worth family, we extend our gratitude and God speed.

Betsy Bachtel

August 20, 2014

Dear Cindy and family,
I will always cherish the past 5 years of the Lake Worth High School reunions I was able to attend. Meeting you and Charlie will always be a treasured memory. It was a beautiful ceremony and wonderful reception. May God Bless and watch over you.
Betsy Bachtel
Lake Worth High School Class of 1966

MAJ Henry Falcon

August 20, 2014

Mr. Brooks your strength was an inspiration to all. You always had time to fix what was broken. Thanks for the many life lessons. I will forever cherish the fond memories of all those great gatherings at the house and the road trips. You were such a fun person to be around with your amazing personality, wit and charm. You will long be remembered as a hardworking, intelligent, loving father, husband, gentlemen, friend and veteran. You are a man of Honor and your family and friends was your greatest joy. I salute you.

Thoughts and prayers for Jennifer, Cindy, and the rest of the family.

Russell Isenbletter

August 20, 2014

A man that worked hard to take care of his family. A man that took business very seriously and a man that in memory will be motivation for his closest friends and family members. The lake house was where I received an early lesson from a wise soul. We would spend early mornings either raking leaves or cutting brush. He would always say " you have to work before you can play". Life lessons I'll never forget. You will be missed by many but most importantly the memory of you will be a memory of respect. They say it's not what you do in your life but the effect you have on others lives will determine your true success. My condolences go out to great aunt Cindy along with all the immediate family and closest friends and relatives.

Bob Sterling

August 19, 2014

The time I spent with Charles Brooks would be measured in hours, rather than days.
But some how just being in his presence was inspiring. Seeing him at his reunion,
with his long time friends and family, you could see how loved he was and how
many peoples lives he touched.

Charles, no longer being of this earthly plain with us, will leave a large void that
will never be able to be filled. He will be deeply missed by all.

Our condolences go out to his family and friends who will feel his loss most deeply.
We will keep you in our prayers.

The Sterling Family
Bob, Percy and Daniel

Jack Kuykendall

August 19, 2014

Charles thanks for being my friend over the many years. I'll never forget the trips to your beautiful mountain home and the other golf trips we went on. You were a good businesssman, father, husband,son,brother, friend,ATO,etc. I will miss you dearly, but will see you again. Thoughts and prayers for Cindy, Jennifer, and the rest of the family.

Jorge & Janina Acosta

August 18, 2014

Sending love and prayers to the entire Brooks family.

Alicia Cabaniss

August 18, 2014

He was a very caring man. My daughter was having a lot of medical problems a couple of years ago and we had to keep traveling from our home in brevard county to Arnold palmer hospital in Orlando. Uncle Charles made sure on the nights we had to stay over for very early morning appointments or test we would have a motel room. I have and always will be thankful for his part in helping us get through a very rough time. Rest in peace and give my Daddy (Curtis) and Grandpa (Mel) Lots of hugds and kisses for me. Xoxoxo

Ed Davis

August 18, 2014

Charles was my friend for over forty years and he will be greatly missed. I remember the wonderful times we had in charity golf tournaments, Super Bowl parties and visiting in North Carolina. He will be greatly missed and I think of him a lot.

Vivian & Jackie Holcombe

August 18, 2014

Lot's of fond memories of Charles & family ,he was one of the good guys.Love you all Vivian & Jackie Holcombe

Diane Williams

August 18, 2014

So sorry for your loss,Charles was a sweet an loving cousin he will be missed by so many.Love you all, we all have great an fun memories .Dianne & Johnny Williams & family

Gary Singleton

August 18, 2014

A good man that made everyone smile. A cousin and friend. You will be missed!! Praying for the family for peace and understanding. May God Bless You All.

Gary Singleton

August 18, 2014

A good man, cousin and friend that will be missed! Praying for all the family. May God give you peace and understanding. Love You all!

Margaret Peaslee

August 18, 2014

I am sorry for your loss. Margie Hermanek, LWHS class of 1954.

Dean Papapetrou

August 18, 2014

I am saddened by Charles death and offer my heartfelt condolences to Cindy and all the family. God Bless you.

Deana Leffler

August 18, 2014

The Leffler family sends love and prayers.

Karon Clark

August 17, 2014

You are truly gonna be missed Mr.Brooks. Are prayers are open for this wonderful Family.

Karon Clark

August 17, 2014

Mr.Brooks u are truly missed and loved by all of here at your Econolodge in Macclenny Florida. To the Family yall are in our prayer and just know we are thanking about yall. Love to yall from us here Karon Clark and staff

Bob& Ann Kupesky

August 17, 2014

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Patricia Singleton Lively

August 17, 2014

Cousin Charles always smiling and a awesome sense of humor. He always expressed love to his family, a generous heart, and he made you feel loved... I will never forget the days it seemed like a hundred of us went out on his boat sweet fun memories praying for all the family to have comfort during this time and days ahead

August 17, 2014

With our deepest regrets, Patricia and I are deeply saddened upon hearing of Charles passing.
Just know our thoughts are with you.
He was the guy that "made something happen".

Brenda Wheatley

August 17, 2014

I will always remember Charles making his daily walk through the office at C.E. Brooks saying good morning or good afternoon to everyone and making witty comments as he spoke to and greeted each employee. Charles was a great man and I am glad that I had a chance to know him when I worked for him and Cindy. My heartfelt condolences to Cindy, Jennifer, Annette and the rest of the family. Charles will always be remembered.......

Karin Smithson

August 17, 2014

Oh, Mr. Brooks, you will be missed. I cherish all of those years with Jennifer as we got to spend time with you ... laughing more than any other time in my life. You were humble, yet confident ... funny, yet wise ... loving, tender and strong. You were a rock for your family and an incredible father to Jennifer. You stepped in and encouraged me when my own father did not, and I will never forget those words you wrote on a dollar bill to help me through my divorce. From your toupee to your jokes to your story about "spotting a 20," I have always felt welcome and loved in your presence. Jennifer has been blessed infinitely by your love. Thank you for everything.
Love, Karin Smithson

August 17, 2014

Charlie and I met in 1060 and had a business relationship for many years.We later became business partners and venturers. . Through all of that we were great friends. They came no better than Charlie. Mike Garner,( Ponte Vedra Beach,FL)

Amy Brooks Goldberg

August 16, 2014

I will always remember my uncle's playful teasing and witty sense of humor as I was a little girl. Heaven just got a huge Gator fan! :). Will always keep my memories of him in my heart.

Scott & Betty Hayes

August 16, 2014

Mr. Brooks you will be missed in so many ways. You have done so many wonderful things for so many people. A wonderful husband, father and friend. My mother and I will miss you and keep your family in our prayers.

Louisa Hightower

August 16, 2014

My fondest memories are... Charlie cooking baby back ribs at the lake house, taking us to dinner in Macon, and twirling us around in the Oval Hall for Father Daughter weekend. He was a wonderful man, and will truly be missed!
Louisa Hightower

August 16, 2014

Charlie was a true gentleman who will be greatly missed by all. We were friends since high school but became close in our later years and our many, many wonderful times together will always be cherished.
With Love and Prayers,
Skip and Shirley Hibbard

Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results

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Memorial Events
for Charles Brooks

Aug

20

Visitation

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel & Oaklawn Cemetery

5000 County Road 46A, Sanford, FL 32771

Aug

20

Funeral service

12:00 p.m.

Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel & Oaklawn Cemetery

5000 County Road 46A, Sanford, FL 32771

Funeral services provided by:

Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel & Oaklawn Cemetery

5000 County Road 46A, Sanford, FL 32771

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