Charles Ray Brooks, Sr. , 77, of Spotsylvania, Virginia, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, after a hard‑fought battle with cancer.

Charles was born on August 11, 1948, in Spotsylvania, Virginia, to Mr. Charles Henry Brooks and Mrs. Gladys (Irene) Lewis Brooks. He grew up in the community he would always call home and carried with him the values of integrity, service, and commitment that shaped his life's path.

He proudly served in the United States Air Force, enlisting in March 1968 and completing a distinguished military career that spanned 24 years and 1 month, culminating in his retirement at the rank of Master Sergeant (MSgt) in April 1992. Following his military service, Charles continued to support the nation's defense mission through his work within the defense industrial base. He served as a Senior Security Technician with Lockheed Martin from 1992 to 2001, as Supply Technician Lead with Trend Western/A Del Jen Company from 2001 to 2011, and later brought his leadership and experience to Akima from 2011 until his retirement in 2016.

Charles will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to service, his steady presence, and the wisdom he shared so generously with those he loved. He was a Christian man of deep faith, serving God for many years as a Deacon in his church—first Marlboro Meadows Baptist Church, later renamed Victory Life Center. He was a man of integrity and dependability — and just as importantly, he was a fun man. His jovial spirit, quick wit, and infectious laughter were constants throughout his life. He adored his grandchildren and brought joy to everyone around him. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the countless lives he touched.

On his journey through life, Charles was joined by his beloved wife of 43 years, Ellenora Beatrice (Parker) Brooks. Together they built a strong and loving family grounded in faith, resilience, and devotion.

Charles is survived by his three children, Charles Ray Brooks, Jr. (Crystal), Tiffany Rochelle McDaniels (Keyon), and Chanda Brooks Cesar (David); his four grandchildren, Chaeli Alexis Brooks, Camille Asia Lewis, Samara Michelle Brooks, and David Cesar II; his sister, Phyllis Brooks Battiste; sister-in-law, Tina Lewis (Bernard); brother-in-law, Elisha Parker; nieces and nephews who loved him dearly, Charles Battiste (Melissa), Maria Laidley (Clinton), Angela Battiste, William "Skeebo" Battiste, Stephanie Anderson, Anita Whaley (Ron), Marlo Parker, Dermaine Lewis, Melanie Parker, LaToye Lewis (Jeffrey), and Delonte Lewis (Amanda); several cousins; and a host of other relatives, church family, and friends, whom he loved, from every single stage of his life.

A viewing will be held at Faith Christian Church, 6472 Duhollow Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. The interment will be held at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road, Quantico, VA, 22172, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM.