Mr. Otis James Brooks, Sr., was born May 4, 1952, in Wiggins, Mississippi, to the loving parents of the late Vastie Vanderbilt Brooks and Charlie Robert Brooks of Wiggins. Growing up as the only son, he was adored and doted on by his parents and three sisters.

After his kindergarten years at Mays Kindergarten and Day Care Center, Biloxi, MS, Otis had a unique opportunity to attend Catholic School in Biloxi. Off to a great start, he thrived academically and socially under care and tutelage of the Nuns, who stated, "He was a good soul." At the age of eight, his parents decided to relocate to his mother's roots in Wiggins.

Early on in life, Otis was baptized at New Welcome Hill Baptist Church, Wiggins, where he participated in all church programs offered. He attended Locker High School in Wiggins and his class was the first to transition during initial phases of county integration to Stone High School. He graduated with the Class of 1970. As the lead drummer for Locker High School Marching Band, he tapped off cadences and set tempo for the band's successful movement and song transitions.

Otis was an outstanding player on Locker High and Stone High basketball teams. As a south paw (left handed player) it was extremely difficult and most times impossible for his opponents to anticipate and block his sky hook shots, rebounds, and slam tap dunks. His NBA level skills earned him the nickname, "Boost Tap." He is a hometown basketball legend and recipient of countless accolades and recognition. After high school, Otis completed two years of college at Alcorn State University, Lorman, MS. He enlisted and excelled as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the United States Army as an Indirect Fire Infantryman.

In 1974, Otis met and married Miss Etha Mae Burney, from Saucier. Etha was the love of his life and wife of 44 years. He treated her like a Queen. This union was blessed with three sons: Otis James Brooks, Jr., Antoine Marquentis Brooks, and Adrian Lamar Brooks. After 16 years of traveling in the military, Otis and Etha settled in Gulfport, where he raised three sons and two grandchildren. Mr. Brooks traveled and supported his children and grandchildren during sports activities involving basketball, baseball and football. His family was his top priority.

Mr. Otis Brooks, Sr., was a hardworking man devoted to his family and church. He was kind and would help anybody. Mr. Brooks had people skills. He enjoyed interacting and talking with people. He was a great communicator, who never met any strangers. As a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Saucier, he led devotions on Sunday, supported church activities and was known to make Bible Study interesting. His faith was unshakable. He believed in God.

Mr. Otis Brooks, Sr., continued his career for over 20 years in civilian life, as a Small Appliance Technician, Maintenance Operations, 81st Force Support Squadron, Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi. It was the norm for him to receive outstanding rating codes for his work effort, working relationships, work productivity, and skill in work requirements. His job evaluations from his supervisory chain attest that he was a top-notch employee, who was enthusiastic and honest. He was liked by all his peers and others in Lodging. He had a "can do attitude" and the ability to help in any given situation. With Mr. Brooks, the customer always came first and foremost. He was an outstanding asset to his organization.

Additionally, Mr. Otis James Brooks, Sr., worked at the South Mississippi Regional Center, Long Beach, as Operations Supervisor. Before his retirement, he was able to save lives during Hurricane Katrina by initiating and executing backup relocation plans for patients. All patients under his care, reached safety.

Mr. Brooks is preceded in death by both parents Vastie Vanderbilt Brooks and Charlie Robert Brooks; his baby son Adrian Lamont Brooks; his oldest sister, Dorothy Chambers and his sister-in-law, who raised his wife, Ethel Bell Davis.

His beautiful memories will be cherished by his devoted wife of 44 years Etha Mae Brooks of Gulfport; his beloved sons Otis James Brooks, Jr. and Antoine Marquentis Brooks, both of Gulfport; his six precious grandchildren Dajia Brooks, Olivia Brooks, and Otis Brooks, III, all of Gulfport, MS; Jeniah Brooks, Layla Brooks, and Mya "Cheyanne" Brooks, all of Rocky Mount, North Carolina; his two sisters, Ludie Vanderbilt (Daniel) Miller of Reston, Virginia; Janice Brooks (Terry) Evans of Wiggins; a special brother-in-law, Coy Burney, Jr. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, friends, co-workers, and the Keesler Air Force Base family, Biloxi.