Roy Andrew Brooks

Roy Andrew Brooks (born Sulkowski), of Moneta, Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. He was 76 years old. 

Roy was born on November 27, 1948, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to the late Raymond Sulkowski and Doloris Siejkowski Sulkowski. After losing his father as a young child, Roy was later adopted by William Brooks, to whom Doloris became remarried. 

He proudly served in the U.S. Army for over 25 years, retiring with the rank of Colonel. Following his military career, he continued his professional journey in the private sector, working as an IT consultant and later as a director in the U.S. defense industry. He officially retired from professional work in 2014, settling with his beloved wife Carol at beautiful Smith Mountain Lake in Southwest Virginia. 

Roy was an easy-going and patient man who had a gift for putting people at ease with his calming presence and great sense of humor. He will be remembered for his dedication to service, strong sense of community, and kind, pragmatic spirit.

 Beyond his professional and volunteer work, Roy lived life with great enthusiasm. He enjoyed playing the banjo and guitar and had a lifelong love of Bluegrass music. He especially treasured time spent on his boat at Smith Mountain Lake, pulling his children and grandchildren on tubes for hours with laughter and joy. An avid athlete, Roy was a runner and bicyclist who participated in numerous race events, including triathlons, 5Ks, 10Ks, 10-milers, and half marathons. He loved cheering on his grandchildren from the sidelines of their track, soccer and basketball games, and looked forward to playing pickleball with friends at the local YMCA.

 A dedicated community volunteer, Roy served as a Bedford County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), a board member and procurement officer for the Food for Kids Weekend Backpack Program, and as Operations Manager and Financial Aid Counselor for Lake Christian Ministries, where he helped local families in need.

 He was also a longtime and devoted member of the Unity Spiritual Community. His journey with Unity began in 1995 at Unity of Centreville near their home in Northern Virginia. In 1997, he and Carol became active members of Unity of Roanoke Valley, where Roy served faithfully as a Board Member and Platform Assistant. 

Roy is survived by his loving wife, Carol Brooks; his three sons and their wives, Matthew and Lynda Brooks, Stephen and Arie Brooks, and Christopher Brooks; his sister, Karen Teichmiller; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Cheryl Luther. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Unity of Roanoke Valley on May 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Unity of Roanoke Valley, Lake Christian Ministries or the Prostate Cancer Foundation. 

Donation Links: 

Unity of Roanoke Valley

Lake Christian Ministries

Prostate Cancer Foundation