Daniel Floyd Brooks, 86, of Norfolk, had the nerve to pass on August 11, 2022. He leaves behind his wife of 61 short years, Beverlee Q. Brooks, and their small village consisting of five children, Beverlee Celestin (Schmidt), Kimberlee Santos, Daniel J. Brooks, Andrew Brooks, and Brian Brooks; eleven grandchildren, James Laing (Cristina), Jessica Steinbrecher (Walter), Johnathan Celestin, Master Sergeant Christopher Santos, USAF; Susanna Santos, Nora Brooks, Eilee Burton-Brooks, and Angel Swancey; ten great-grandchildren, Liam, Jameson, Eli, Autumn, Cyrus, Oliver J., Adam, Michael, Joshua and Oliver G.; two sisters, Violet Brackett and Margaret Lindler both from NC. Special family and friends: Monica, Jennifer, Michelle, Kesiara, Jennifer, Johnny, Linda, Heidi and Celeste. A host of aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces. Two very spoiled dogs, Lil Miss Tish and Pogy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Ruby Brooks and a sister Ruth Mason all of NC.

Born in North Carolina, he left home at age 18 to serve in the US Navy. During his Naval career under the rate of Machinist Mate, he served on board eight ships and three shore duty commands. He stood watch for 28 years and reached the rank of Chief Petty Officer while dragging his wife and kids around the country and making lifelong friendships. After retiring from the military in 1981, he settled in Norfolk, VA. He continued serving his country by working as a civilian engineer and technical drawing specialist supporting the US Navy. After a second retirement, he became the unofficial Mayor of Halstead Avenue. He fixed cars, grew tomato plants, and wore t-shirts with sarcastic sayings that reflected his personality. And if you happened to walk by while he sat on his swing, he would bestow unsolicited advice.