Obituary of Virgial Olen Brooks

Virgial Olen Brooks passed away Sunday, March 27, 2011 at his home in Jackson at the age of 71 years, surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 29, 1939 to Jessie and Ruby (Paschall) Brooks in Dumas, Arkansas. He grew up in Pine Bluff attending the local schools and graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1957. Virgial met Bernice Hollenbeck when they were both 12 years old. Their love grew through the years and they were married on June 25, 1959 in Pine Bluff. Virgial was a veteran serving in the U.S. Army stationed in Washington DC. In 1965 he moved his family to California and worked for Bank of America until his retirement in 1996. His retirement was short lived and he became co-owner of The Tool Shop in Jackson. Virgial obtained his Pilot's license October 2, 1983 and was co-owner of an Aero Commander 114 named Thunder Chicken after Foghorn Leghorn, hangered at Westover Field in Jackson. He flew with his best friend and co-pilot, Mike Farmer throughout the United States and Canada attending the Commander Fly-In's. Virgial enjoyed tinkering, working with his hands, could repair anything, and made repairs on his own plane. Virgial enjoyed watching football and was a Brett Favre fan; you could always catch him sitting on the sofa on football Sunday wearing his Brett Favre jersey. He had the gift for gab and never met a stranger. Virgial was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Bernice Brooks of Jackson; son, Harold Olen Brooks and wife, Nancy of Concord; daughter, Celia Bettcher and husband Mark of Jackson; brother, Bobby Brooks of North Carolina; grandchildren, Jessica Bettcher, Jennifer Bettcher, Miranda Brooks, and Evan Olen Brooks. Friends are invited to attend a funeral service Friday, April 1, 2011, 1:00 P.M. at Daneri Mortuary Chapel in Jackson. Interment will be in the Garden of Golden Memories at Sunset View Cemetery in Jackson. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 1765 Challenge Way, Suite 115, Sacramento, CA 95815.