Emmett F. "Buster" Brooks

Emmett Fellers "Buster" Brooks, 96, of Greenwood, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 30, surrounded by loved ones. Born on December 30, 1929, in Greenwood, he was the son of the late Edward Loudon and Myrtle Fellers Brooks.

A lifelong resident of Greenwood County, Emmett devoted his life to faith, family, service, and community leadership. He was a foundational member of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, where he served for decades on the Vestry and in numerous leadership roles.

A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Emmett served four years during the Korean Conflict. Stationed primarily in Tokyo, Japan, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant. During his service, he was also appointed to serve in General Mark Clark's Honor Guard.

Emmett was educated in the Greenwood County public school system and graduated from Erskine College in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. His professional studies continued at the University of Georgia School of Executive Development, the Graduate School of Savings and Loan at Indiana University, and through the Piedmont Chapter of the South Carolina Institute for Financial Education, where he later served as Chapter President.

While in college, Emmett worked three years at the Index Journal, followed by four years with the Dantzler Agency. He went on to build a distinguished year career in the Savings and Loan industry, serving as Senior Vice President of Greenwood Savings and Loan before joining First Federal, where he managed multiple divisions.

Emmett's dedication to civic service was widely recognized. His longtime friend, Bill Collins, former editor of the Index Journal, wrote: "Buster Brooks' civic contributions are well known and too numerous to list, but they mark him as a pillar of the community who quietly labored on behalf of his fellow citizens without seeking credit-or more importantly, never wanting any."

He was a past president and decades-long member of the Greenwood Lions Club. In 1980, he was appointed by the Governor to the Metropolitan District Commission, where he served 22 years, including 11 as chairman. In recognition of his service, the Emmett F. Brooks Technical Services Facility was dedicated on September 25, 2003.

In 1996, Emmett was appointed Chairman of Greenwood County's Sesquicentennial Celebration, and in 2000 he led the fundraising and renovation of the American Legion Post 20 Home. In 2003, Governor Mark Sanford appointed him Interim Clerk of Court.

Throughout his career and retirement, Emmett served his community in countless ways, including leadership roles with The Museum (board member), United Way (President), the Chamber of Commerce (Chairman), the Salvation Army (Chairman), and the Greenwood Vocational Rehabilitation Center, where he served on the board for 30 years. Both Lander University and Piedmont Technical College also benefited from his leadership.

Among his many honors, Emmett was inducted into the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Greenwood County Hall of Fame, and received The Order of the Palmetto-South Carolina's highest civilian honor-in July 2023.

Emmett was married to the former Edith A. "Edie" Byers of Greenville. He is survived by one son, Francis Chesley Brooks; three daughters, Nancy Brooks Newlon (Jon), Amy Brooks Van Gurp (Rick), and Mary Allison Brooks Pettigrew (John); seven grandchildren (Jon Brooks, Caroline, Katie, Anna, Richard, Carolina, and Amelia); two great grandchildren (Camilla and Madeline Brooks); and a large extended family who will forever cherish his memory.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by loved ones who welcomed him home.

A man of unwavering integrity, steady leadership, and quiet generosity, Emmett Fellers "Buster" Brooks leaves behind a lasting legacy of service to Greenwood and to all whose lives he touched.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection with Rev. Nicholas Beasley officiating.

A private family only burial will be held at Edgewood Cemetery.