From an early age, Phil was full of energy and had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed playing football and basketball, and swimming at the local pool. Phil knew no boundaries when it came to his fascination with animals. As a child, he often brought home stray creatures—rabbits, turtles, and even snakes—from the creek. This love for animals stayed with him throughout his life and remained strong even in his final years.

Phil was kind-hearted and charismatic, with a quiet magnetism that naturally drew people to him. He had a special way of making others feel seen, welcomed, and at ease. To those who knew him best, Phil was a teddy bear with a growl—his tough exterior simply protecting a heart that was endlessly gentle, loving, and generous.

Nothing meant more to Phil than the time he shared with his children and grandchild during their visits to his home. He found great joy in cooking and truly cherished having friends and loved ones gathered together under his roof. Above all else, Phil’s greatest passion was fishing. If given the chance, he would have fished every day of the week—especially when he could enjoy the experience alongside family and friends.

Phillip is survived by his beloved wife of 18 years, LaQuita Brooks; his loving children, Ethan Ryan Brooks, Phillip Kyle Brooks, Vandy Bryant Brooks, Markia Rahman, and Tamu; and his beautiful granddaughter Lily Brooks; his sister, Sylvia Skinner, and her husband, Anthony Skinner; his brothers, Richard Ray and his wife, Marilyn Barnes-Ray, and Joshua Brooks; along with a host of relatives and an immeasurable number of dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Ray; his father, Joshua Brooks, Sr.; his sisters, Nita and Dotty; and his son, Bryant Brick Brooks, whose loss deeply impacted his life.

Friends may visit with the family Sunday, February 8, 2026 from 10 am until time of funeral service at 11 am in The Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, 3439 Livingston Road Indian Head, MD 20640. Interment private.

On Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 11:00 am, please click on the link below to live stream the service.

Please make sure when viewing the services that the volume located in the right lower corner (where it says "live") on the viewing screen is turned up (the bars should be blue).

The streaming will begin after the family gathering. Therefore, there may be a delay before the service appears on the screen. Thank you.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/livestream

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

Funeral Services Provided By

Thornton Funeral Home, P.A. - Indian Head

3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, MD 20640