M. Ray Brooks, 93, of Monroe, Michigan went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at Hampton Manor of Bedford in Lambertville.

Born April 28, 1931 in Tazewell, TN, Ray was the son of the late Chole and Lassie Rebecca (Miles) Brooks. As a child in Tennessee, Ray so enjoyed growing up on the family farm, where he was a member of 4-H, and had a love for farm animals. He especially enjoyed raising cattle and ponies. He moved to Monroe when he was a teenager. Ray served his country honorably and proudly in the United States Army.

On June 26, 1954, Ray married his beloved wife, the former Clara Helen "Susie" Sutton at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. Sadly, she preceded him in death on October 19, 2016 after 62 years of marriage.

Ray worked for General Motors Hydromatic Plant in Toledo, OH for 32 years, retiring as a tool and die maker in 1988. In 1995 he and Susie moved to Crossville, TN.

Ray was a member of Central Baptist Church in Crossville and a former member of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. He served as a Deacon at both churches. Ray was a devout Christian who loved his church and went on many mission trips throughout his life. Ray was a member of the Masonic Lodge #27 F&M and the Shriners. He enjoyed playing golf, and growing vegetables and roses. He and Susie had season tickets to the Tennessee Lady VOLS games and enjoyed them for many years. Most of all Ray loved time spent with family.

Ray is survived by three loving daughters; Rebecca L. (Ron) Poupard of Monroe, Beverly S. (Chuck) Estep of Lambertville and Amy R. (Jon Maltman) Brooks of Chantilly, Va, three cherished grandchildren; Benjamin Estep, and Lisa and Brittany LePage, and 3 siblings: Herb (Coleen) Brooks of Adrian, MI, Lee Williams of Bowling Green, KY, and Kyle Brooks of Greeneville, TN and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Ray was preceded in death by two brothers; Bill and Wayne Brooks, a brother-in-law, Gerald Williams and two sisters-in-law, Wanda Brooks, and Jean Brooks.

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2 to 7pm at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, Michigan, 48161 with a Masonic Service at 6:00 pm. Funeral services celebrating Ray's life will be held on Monday, August 19, 2024 at 1:00 pm, also at the funeral home. Rev. Dr. Stephen Swisher will officiate. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children's Hospital, Alzheimer's Association or to Shriners International.

Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.