Curtis Marvin Brooks - Cremation Society of Virginia

Curtis Marvin Brooks

April 22, 1937 - March 20, 2017

Curtis Marvin Brooks

Norfolk – Curtis Marvin Brooks, 79, of Norfolk, died March 20, 2017 at Thornton Hall. He was born April 22, 1937, to Emma Rebecca McGuiggan Brooks and George Edward Brooks of Norfolk. Curtis graduated from Maury High School, received a B.A. in English from Old Dominion University (1964), and the M.A. (1965) and Ph.D. (1971) in English from the University of Virginia. He served in the U.S. Navy (1957-1962), taught at the University of Virginia Engineering School, Humanities Division; at Old Dominion University, in the English Department and later in Philosophy; and in several schools of the Virginia Community College system.

His wide-ranging interests in science, philosophy, literature, and music led to a varied career involving college teaching, Department of Defense research, and regular piano jobs at a number of Tidewater restaurants. As well as contributing to the traditional academic disciplines, he excelled at integrating his interests by developing courses in the history of science and technology, medical and business ethics, and examining how the arts, sciences, and social/economic trends formed world culture.

He is survived by daughter, Felicia Lee Brooks of Charlottesville and grandson Zachary Draim; son Christopher Brooks and grand-daughter Cheyanne McKenzie Brooks, of Houston. He was predeceased by son, Elliott McGuiggan Brooks of Charlottesville, father of his grand-daughters Emma and Ivy Brooks. He is also survived by sister Laura Lee Brooks Gannaway (John M.) of Leesburg, VA, niece Rebecca Mae Gannaway Madigan (James) and family of Leesburg, VA, nephew John E. Gannaway (Jennifer) and family of Hamilton, VA, and niece Kimberley Kay Gannaway Grant (Dr. Joel) and family of Middletown, VA.

Curtis’s cremains will be inurned at Albert G. Horton Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, VA. A memorial reception will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed at vacremationsociety.com. Memorial information will be updated on website as it arises.

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Curtis Marvin Brooks Norfolk – Curtis Marvin Brooks, 79, of Norfolk, died March 20, 2017 at Thornton Hall. He was born April 22, 1937, to Emma Rebecca McGuiggan Brooks and George Edward Brooks of Norfolk. Curtis graduated from Maury High School, received a B.A. in English from Old Dominion University (1964), and the M.A. (1965)…

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I was dismayed to learn of my old friend's illness and death. He was far more sociable than I imagined, and I came to envy the life he led at home in Virginia and in Norfolk, where he saw our childhood friends grow up, become adults, and eventually grow old. Well done, Brooksie, it was a life well lived.

Curtis was truly a modern renaissance man. I have known Curtis for many years and had the pleasure of working with him for several years at my company, Sigma Consultants. I was always fascinated with the musical talents that Curtis possessed as well as his writing talents. He was someone I always enjoyed being around and he will be missed.

We are grateful for all who cared for my brother over many seasons of his life - and for all whom he cared about. I suspect that he lingered in this earthly life longer than he desired but pray that he used the days to accept the saving grace of Christ by faith, even though unable to express it verbally, and that his spirit is now at peace.

Dear Sandra, Laura, Felicia & Christopher, and all of the Brooks' family, so very sorry to hear of your loss. My sister, Julie, and I were fortunate to meet Curtis and Sandra in October 2011, at their home in Norfolk. We are second cousins and he was most informative about the Brooks' family and his immediate family. He was also most entertaining playing the piano for us. My sister and I both regretted that our paths had not crossed earlier in our lifetimes, that there had not been more closeness between our families. While I knew of Maury High School, his U.S. Navy service, batchelors and masters degrees, I was not aware of his docturate status or that he played the piano at various Tidewater restaurants. A complicated, interesting, intelligent and versatile individual to see the least. His range of interests and activities is wondrous, and the courses he developed and taught demonstrates his wide range of academic disciplines and methodology to open new learning paths to his students. It seems to me his students, and others who came in contact with him, enjoyed a rare experience of learning and exploring in a wide variety of fields. It was certainly a delight and experience meeting him which I will not forget. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you deal with your loss. He is at rest and at peace, free from earthly pain and difficulties. Pray each of you, that all his family and friends, may find peace and solace, through your memories and faith. God be with each of you.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.