William "Bill" Thomas Brooks

William “Bill” Thomas Brooks, after a full and happy life, went to be with Jesus while surrounded by love and family. He left this life at the age of 85, on August 11, 2024. Bill, son of Benjamin Brooks and Adele Wheeler, was born on April 28, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he grew up as one of seven children.

Bill graduated from LaSalle College High School in 1955 and from the United States Naval Preparatory School in 1957. From there he went on to study aeronautical engineering at the United States Naval Academy and graduated with a PhD equivalent in 1961. In 1963 he completed his Attack Squadron Training in Florida. Upon completion of his flight training, he was stationed on several aircraft carriers and made over 1000 carrier landings during the Vietnam War. He earned several medals of valor including, but not limited to, The Air Medal, and The National Defense Medal.

After serving in the Navy for 13 years, Bill joined Delta Airlines and was quickly promoted as a pilot to the rank of Captain. He spent 30 years at Delta and wore many hats including being the top training officer and check pilot. During his time with Delta, he also served as President of the Humble ISD School Board.

On April 28, 2003 he met Betty Carolyn “Carol” Mann Brocato in Conroe, Texas. They began attending church together at the Ark in Conroe and later that year Bill gave his life to Jesus Christ. Five years to the day, on April 28, 2008 he married the love of his life in the home they purchased together in Brenham. Bill and Carol became active in the Brenham community serving on several non-profit boards and they both received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award through the Rotary Club of Washington County. Bill and Carol joined Champion Fellowship in 2008 and Bill was baptized there.

He was preceded in death by his brothers: Benjamin Brooks, Michael Brooks and Richie Brooks, sister Linda O’Donnell and two brothers-in-law, Charlie Cooney and Charlie O’Donnell.

He is survived by his loving wife Carol; sisters Adele Cicciarelli and husband Jake, and Terri Clooney; sons Bill Brooks Jr. and wife Claudia, Christopher Brooks, Corbin Brooks, Jonathan Brocato and wife Mechele, Jason Brocato and wife Ashley, and James Christian Brocato; grandchildren Jocelyn Brooks, Annie Watson and husband Devis “Toro”, Sophie Brooks, Jack Brooks, Abby Brocato, Jaden Brocato, Bailey Rae Brocato, Brailen Brocato, Emma Brocato, Azic Brocato; great grandchild Thiago Watson; special family Cheryl Dillon and husband Mike, Jennifer Greenlee and husband Chuck and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 14th from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at Brenham Memorial Chapel. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, August 15th at 2:00pm at Champion Fellowship. A private family burial will be held Thursday morning. The service will be live streamed and available to view at ChampionFellowship.org.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Collective Academy of Christian Music c/o Champion Fellowship, 1801 S Market Street, Brenham, TX 77833.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Share condolences at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com.