William Bruce Brooks

Mr. William Bruce "Bill" Brooks
Lewisville
Mr. William Bruce Brooks (Bill), 67, of Lewisville, NC died peacefully on Saturday, November 3, 2012, at his home with his family by his side. Bill Brooks was a truly humble man best remembered for his sense of humor, his big grin, his tendency to always see the very best in every person and every situation, his extraordinary intellect, his incredible work ethic, and an equally incredible love for his family. Bill's life represents the American dream in so many ways. He was born December 19, 1944 in Forsyth County to Lillie Whittington Cox and General Harrison Brooks. The family settled into a factory setting of Mount Airy, NC. Life could be tough during those years; however, Billy, as he was known then, persevered and, ultimately, entered the US Navy at the young age of 17. In retrospect, this was a brave and life changing decision as his assignments at Naval Air Stations throughout the west coast and Pacific provided him a tool kit of life skills and knowledge. Leaving the Navy with an honorable discharge, he possessed a high school equivalency degree, invaluable experience with electronics and machinery, and a confidence ready to achieve his life's goals. Via college and continuing education, his professional career quickly evolved from radio and television repair (a valued profession in the 1960s), ultimately to sales and service of complex hardware and software across a variety of healthcare fields. With an entrepreneurial mindset, Bill started up Brooks Medical Services, a company operated independently throughout North Carolina. Bill later sold the company to NC Baptist Hospital which formed the first in-house radiology service department for the hospital. Subsequently, Bill launched another business entity, Salem Medical Electronics, which proved even more successful and demonstrated that a man with a vision and a tireless work ethic could succeed even against all odds. Bill was well respected within the industry and by his customers across the United States, earning business solely through word of mouth. Although successful professionally, Bill was most proud of the family he belonged and the family he created. He met the love of his life, Linda Edmisten Brooks, in 1967, and they soon married in Boone, NC on August 23, 1969. He was immediately loved as a son by his in-laws, Lee and Thelma Edmisten, and he loved them as a second set of parents. Bill and Linda settled in Winston-Salem, NC and raised their two boys, Michael and Jason, with the right combination of love and discipline that enabled their future success.
Among thousands of cherished memories, Michael will always remember the early days traveling with Dad on weekends to his service calls and late night meals at truck stops; riding on the motorcycle with Mom and Dad (what were they thinking!); early morning trips to McDonalds before school; diving off the cliffs of Hawaii; swimming in the backyard pool all summer; learning and becoming frustrated by golf together; 1:1 basketball; a hilarious service call in South Carolina; our trip with Sean to DC this past June; Dad loving his daughter-in-law, Jackie, as if she was a daughter; debating politics and history; Papa Bill spending time hanging out with the grandkids; our last lunch together at Village Tavern two weeks ago; and, countless times of fatherly advice about so many different situations ("take it easy son"). During the last year, Bill confronted his cancer diagnosis like everything in life: head on, with determination, with humor and a grin, without fear, and a selfless focus on those around him. He enjoyed so many special events in the last year including the birth of his third grandchild; a wonderful trip to Paris with Linda and Jason; a 'boys trip' to DC with Michael and Sean; a fun week at the beach with the entire family and close friends, Bob and Arlene Lance; fun times with his close friends; an extended family gathering in Raleigh three weeks ago; and many, many other special times. There was not a day that passed without Bill reminding his family that he loved them, emphasizing that life goes on, and making sure that we would be ok without him. And, we will be ok because he loved us and we will love him forever….but, every day will be a little bit empty without him. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Edgar Brooks; his father-in-law, Lee Edmisten; niece, Tonya Sechrist; and nephew, Sgt. Greg Martin. Surviving are his wife, Linda Edmisten Brooks, of the home; two sons, Michael Brooks and wife Jackie of Raleigh, and Jason Brooks of Charlotte; his mother-in-law Thelma Edmisten of Boone; one sister, Betty Sue Martin of Mt. Airy; three grandchildren, Sean, Leah & Madison Brooks all of Raleigh; three nieces & nephews, Jeff Martin, Melissa Blakeley and Dana Brooks. The family wishes to thank all the wonderful professionals who cared for Bill during his treatment, in particular Dr. Antonius A. Miller, Dr. Genevieve Wroblewski, Nurse Jennifer Haag and the other nurses, aids and volunteers with Hospice of Winston-Salem. The family will have a private graveside service Monday, November 5th, at Mount Lawn Memorial Park in Boone. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Center, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. On-line condolences may be sent to www.hayworth-miller.com.