William Brooks Rumph Sr.

William Brooks Rumph, Sr., aged 90 years young, of Waynesboro, Georgia, passed away on March 4, 2025, after a long struggle with dementia. He was born on December 17, 1934, in Marion County, Georgia to Lewis David Rumph and Nannie Mae Greene. Brooks is predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Kay Smith Rumph.
Brooks had ten (10) brothers and sisters, all of whom predeceased him. He was the proud father of three children, Tami (Augie) Buffa, Brooks, Jr. (Reed) Rumph, and Brandon (Sara) Rumph. He was also the proud grandfather to four grandchildren, John (Lexie) Robinson, Caleb Rumph, Gabe Rumph, and Gina (Marc) Middleton, and three great grandchildren, Elizabeth Rose Robinson, Ezra Grey Robinson, and Cameron A. Middleton. He was a beloved uncle, great uncle and great-great uncle to a large family. He had many, many good friends and, during the last ten years, was especially fond of his special someone, Elizabeth Avret.
Brooks was a graduate of Manchester High School in Manchester, Georgia. He joined the Army and Army Reserve and served from 1955 - 1961. He married his sweetheart, Kay Smith, on March 24, 1956. After serving, Brooks later joined CSX Transportation and had a long career serving in various roles as conductor, yardmaster and Southeast train master for 47 years. Brooks and Kay loved gardening and turned their yards into a show place. While living in McDonough, Georgia, he received a Masters Certificate in Gardening and Landscaping taught by Coach Vince Dooley. At his home in Waynesboro out in the country, he loved gardening, bird watching and feeding the birds. He could tell you the names of all species.
Our dad will be dearly missed by family and friends. His family was his pride and joy and he never met a stranger. He was the consummate Southern gentlemen and to all who knew him, he was very kind and generous. He was always a person you could count on and didn't hesitate to help anyone in need.
The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the staff at Brentwood Health and Rehabilitation Center and Regency SouthernCare Hospice for the care they showed to our dad.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Old Fella Burke County Animal Rescue, Inc., www.oldfella.org., P. O. Box 1437, Waynesboro, GA, 30830.
DeLoach-McKerley-Prescott Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 220 East 6th Street, Waynesboro, GA 30830 (706-554-3531)
You may sign the guest book at www.deloachfuneralhomes.com.