James Patrick “Pat” Lavaga Brooks, Jr., 92, of LaGrange, Georgia, passed away Friday, April 27, 2018, at his home surrounded by his family. Mr. Brooks was born Sept. 11, 1925, in LaGrange, Georgia, son of the late James Patrick Lavaga Brooks, Sr. and Ruby Leevoy Thompson Brooks. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Hilton Brooks, grandson, Steven Casey Allen, son-in-law, H. Merrill Allen, and a sister, Ann Anglley.

He was a 1942 graduate of Rosemont High School where he played basketball. He attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College before World War II. Mr. Brooks proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from August 1944 to July 1946 on the LSM#430 in the Atlantic and Pacific during WWII. He later returned to college and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1948 with a double major in animal husbandry and horticulture. Mr. Brooks was a founding father of LaGrange Academy and supported the local basketball and wrestling teams for Troup High School and LaGrange College. Mr. Brooks worked with General Mills Company in Arkansas and Georgia for many years and, along with his wife Betty, was the owner and operator of Pine Mountain Feed and Seed. He was the owner and operator of Pine Mountain Sod Farm from 1970 to 2002. Upon retiring, he was known as “Pop.” He was always wearing his “Mr. Walmart” hat and enjoyed watching the Atlanta Braves, basketball and the Georgia Dawgs.

Survivors include his children, Gary (Elizabeth) Brooks, Susan Brooks Allen, and Steve (Daniela) Brooks; grandchildren, Melissa (Jose’) Ruiz’, John Patrick (Crystal) Allen, James Christopher (Catherine) Allen, and Stephanie Brooks; great grandchildren, Jose’ Ruiz’, Breanna Allen, Cameron Allen, Sydney Ruiz’, Larry Lee Allen, and Emily Pearl Allen; sisters, Josephine McGlamery and Malinda Brooks; brother, Edward Brooks; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The gathering of family and friends will be on Sunday, April 29, 2018, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Shadowlawn Cemetery. Graveside funeral services will follow in Shadowlawn Cemetery at 2 p.m.

Flowers will be accepted or contributions may be made to Wellstar West Georgia Hospice in memory of James Patrick “Pat” Lavaga Brooks, Jr. Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting shlagrange.com. Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636