Oscar Wayne Brooks

Obituary of Oscar Wayne Brooks

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Oscar Wayne Brooks, a resident of Bastrop, LA, passed away Monday, March 30, 2026, at the age of 78. Services will be announced at a later date.

Oscar Brooks was born the fourth child of eight children of Mable Irene Perkins and Harold Conway Brooks on April 1, 1947, in Bonanza, AR. At the age of 14, after the death of his mother, he was raised by his mother's aunt, Ruby Perkins Skinner in Matinez, CA. Aunt Ruby was instrumental in keeping the Brooks children rooted in family values. As a young man, Oscar returned to Arkansas, where he met his wife of 57 years, Peggy J. Henry. The two were married on September 14, 1966.

Mr. Brooks was a United States Army veteran serving in the 203rd 8th Army Support Command from 1966 to 1969 in Korea. After leaving the Army he began a 35 year career in riverboat work, starting out as a deckhand, and over the years worked his way up to be the pilot. In his riverboat career he worked for Ingram Barge and Jantran, Inc.

Mr. Brooks enjoyed country music, horse racing, and was known for trying to hit the big one in the casinos. He enjoyed his grandchildren and above all things, his great grandchildren, and loved any opportunity to be present in their lives and at their activities. Mr. Brooks was a follower of Pastor Arnold Murray and loved sharing his beliefs with others. He loved our Lord and Savior.

Mr. Brooks is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Peggy Brooks; his two brothers, Jerry Lee Brooks and Harold "Buster" Brooks; daughter, Tammy Knight; and son-in-law, Larry Knight.

He is survived by his daughter, Loretta Willams of Bastrop, LA and fiance, Donnie Mckinney of Crossett, AR; son, Paul E. Bray Jr., and wife Tammy of Rison, AR; grandson, that he raised as his son, Johnny Paul Knight and wife Candi of Monticello, AR; granddaughter, who went above and beyond as care giver to her grandfather, Samantha Ashley McNeely of Bastrop, LA; grandson, Paul E Bray, III and wife Melody of Rison, AR; granddaughters, Shada Hamilton and husband Chad of Calico Rock, AR, and Tonya McCoy of Rison, AR; great-grandchildren, Landree Rowen McNeely (Bastop, La), Dechlan, Carsyn and Harrison Knight (Monticello, AR), Paul and Wesley Bray (Rison, AR), Shyla Grace Hamilton (Calico Rock, AR); sisters, Carolyn Miller of Carlsbad , NM, Anna East of Sacramento, CA, Sharon Chinakos (Mike) of Washougal, WA, Doris Whalen (Robert) of Martinez, CA, Brenda Boll of Sacramento, CA; and sister-in-law, Vicki Brooks of Sacramento, CA, as well as, many nieces and nephews he cherished dearly.