Rayford 'Ray'O'Neal Brooks, Jr

Rayford "Ray" O'Neal Brooks, Jr., age 78, of Cumming, passed away Monday, December 9, 2013. Ray was born in Rockingham, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents, R.O. "Neal" Brooks, Sr., and Blondie Brooks and his brother, Mike Brooks.



Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Betty Brooks; son, Brian (Dianna) Brooks; daughter, Jane (Greg) Loughmiller all of Cumming, GA; Seven grandchildren: Alex Loughmiller, Brandi Brooks, Erica Loughmiller, Brittany Brooks, Austin Loughmiller, Christopher Brooks, and Ethan Loughmiller; all of Cumming, GA; several uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.



Ray lived in Rockingham, NC, Newport News, VA, McColl, SC and Camden, SC growing up. He graduated from Camden High School in 1956 and joined the National Guard. He moved to Atlanta in 1958 and began working in the office at Colonial Baking Company where he met his wife. He retired as the office manager in December 1993.



He was a member of First Redeemer Church. His hobbies included playing golf, watching sports of any kind, and he was a big fan of both the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Falcons. He loved to work in the yard, and up until a few years ago, had a considerable garden. He enjoyed woodworking, tinkering in his workshop, and reading. He read many books and had read his Bible cover to cover numerous times.



Ray enjoyed traveling, and the highlight of the year was the annual family beach trip, when they would pile into a large condo with the kids and all of the grandkids. Pool time in the big pool was his favorite. They took the group on several cruises as well. His biggest hobby was the family, and he was happiest when they were all together.



Funeral services will be held Friday, December 13, 2013 at 1:00 P.M. in the Ingram Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Ingram Funeral Home on Thursday from 5 P.M. until 9 P.M., Friday from 11 A.M. until the hour of the service.



Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Cumming, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be made at www.ingramfuneralhome.com.