Tommy Broocks

Tommy Joe Broocks, age 82, passed away on Fri. Jan. 13, 2023 in Brandon, MS. Visitation will be held on Thurs. Jan. 19, 2023 from 11am-12:45pm at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS. Funeral Services are 1pm on Thurs. Jan. 19, 2023 at the Ott & Lee Funeral Home Chapel in Brandon, MS with burial at Crestview Memorial Gardens in Brandon, MS.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Turner Broocks and Charlene Whitehead Broocks; 4 brothers and 1 sister. Mr. Broocks is survived by his wife, Shelia, two children, Jeffrey Broocks and Catherine Dana; two grandchildren, Tess Broocks Dana and Owen Thomas Dana; two brothers, Billy Broocks, Paul Wesley Robinette and many nieces and nephews.

Although his parents were from Mississippi, they lived in Kelly, Louisiana when he was born on Feb. 29, 1940. At a young age, they moved back to Mississippi where he grew up. He went to school in Flora and Bentonia where he met Shelia when they were just 12 years old. Tom attended Mississippi State University. Upon graduation in 1963, he and Shelia were married. They welcomed their son Jeffrey in 1966 while living in Holly Springs and Catherine joined them in 1974 while they were living in Dallas.

As an engineer, he worked for several companies right out of college, including Ford Motor Company. He, Shelia, Jeff, and Catherine moved back to Mississippi in 1977 because it was home. Tommy established his own firm in which he designed machinery for the automotive and battery industries. His engineering accomplishments were considered some of the most unique and custom from conception to completion. His designs remain in use throughout the world. He eventually owned several more businesses from the plastics industry, equipment design and machine shop management.

Even after retirement, he stayed involved with designs and business. He loved growing things from gardens to trees and heirloom plants. Watching his Mississippi State bulldogs in sports and most importantly enjoying his two grandchildren were his mainstays when he wasn’t doing for others. During all of his years in Rankin County he was an active member of the North Brandon Church of Christ.