Frank Brooks

Frank Berle Brooks passed away Monday, March 10, 2025 near his home in Water Valley, MS. He was born December 16, 1943 to Frank Emmett and Eva Jordan Brooks. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Patricia Chatman Brooks and son, Bradford Chatman Brooks and siblings Eva Flutz, Bille Terrell, and Currie Brooks.

After the passing of his mother, Frank borrowed his teacher's truck to drive downtown to the bank and requested a loan extension to keep the family farm. The banker advised him during a second visit that he was willing to give him a chance and don't blow it. Within the next ten years, Frank returned to pay off the loan and maintained operations of the farm until his retirement. He also was a partner of B and B International in Water Valley.

Over the next years, Frank served on the board of directors with the People's Bank and Trust, Renasant Bank, Yalobusha County Economic Development Foundation, PICO, and Federal Land Bank. He also served as a member of the Water Valley School Board for numerous years. Alongside many Yalobusha Farmers, he was the manager and served as president of the Yalobusha County Gin from 1992-2018.

Frank was a 1963 graduate of Water Valley High School and named Yalobusha's first Outstanding Young Farmer and competed in a state wide competition. He also won second place in a State Tractor Driving competition in 1962.

Frank attended First Baptist Church of Water Valley for over twenty years where he served as president of the Barry Weeks Sunday School class. He is a member of Sylva Rena Baptist Church.

Known by many names such as Big Daddy, BB, Leroy, FBB, and Frank Berle, he was most honored to be called Peepaw to his family. His legacy lives on through the strong work ethics of his family and love for the land he worked so hard to keep as a young sixteen year old. Frank could be found daily on a tractor or helping his beloved wife in the yard.

He is survived by his wife, Raye Ledbetter Brooks, daughters, Angie Brooks Hodge and Sherry Tate Brown and grandchildren Laci Brasher of Olive Branch, MS, Justin (Suzanne) Brooks, Brandon (Madison) Brooks, Austin (Mary) Hodge, Jordan Hodge (Millie Fricker), Brooks Hodge, and Eli Hodge (Lexi Trimble) , all of Water Valley and great-grandchildren, Tyler Brasher, Carter Buck, Andy Brooks, Emmett Brooks, Bailey Brooks, Joe Hodge, Selby Brooks, Jane Hodge, Huck Trimble, Lily Hodge, and Lena Brooks, brothers, Bob (Pat) Brooks and Travis (Amy) Brooks: and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the charity of your choice.

View the funeral service here: Funeral Service