In loving memory of Willie Brooks Prothro - Obituary Baldwin Brothers

Obituary

Willie Brooks Prothro was born in Sulligent, Alabama on November 25, 1939. He was the only child of Willie Curtis and Linnie Louise Prothro. He had an adventurous childhood growing up in Mississippi. He was often found hunting and fishing, traveling the small country roads with his friends, and helping his parents with their country store. He attended Greenwood Springs High School where he played basketball and excelled as a student. After high school, Brooks volunteered to join the United States National Guard and later served in the United States Army Reserves. In 1961, he graduated from Mississippi State University and remained a devoted “Bulldog fan” for life. Brooks dedicated 30 years of his professional life to General Electric, working as a Field Sales Engineer in the Power Distribution Division. While with General Electric he transferred from Jackson, Mississippi to Dallas, Texas with his young family. Eventually, his career brought him to Florida. He was proud of his contributions to the infrastructure of South Florida, along with the many friendships he developed. He worked on a variety of key projects, hospitals, and landmarks such as Joe Robbie Stadium in Broward County and the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. Brooks was fortunate to have completed his career with Westco, a division of Westinghouse, at the age of 59 while residing in Florida, although never straying far from his Mississippi roots. He then devoted himself to caring for his aging parents, the family land, and business interests. Brooks met Carol through a mutual friend in the summer of 2000, later marrying in 2004. They frequently returned to Mississippi to enjoy time at the cabin they had built. He spent his time fishing, clearing the land on his tractor, caring for his garden, and relaxing with friends on the back porch in the peacefulness of the Mississippi countryside. Brooks had more passions than most. He especially enjoyed Civil War and World War II History, as well as visiting museums and historical landmarks. He was an avid tennis player who caught the 1970s tennis boom and became a lifelong player. Upon moving to Ocala’s Stone Creek Community, his fellow tennis players were among his first friends that warmly welcomed him to the courts. But deep sea fishing in the Atlantic Ocean had to top the list of his passions. Most recently, he would fish in the Gulf with family and friends, play bocce and water volleyball, attend shows and neighborhood parties, as well as enjoy the occasional Caribbean vacation. On a daily basis, he would spend time researching, investing and following the stock market. Last, but not least, his love to cruise around the community on his Segway, as he would say, “I am the oldest Segway rider in Florida,” and he may have just been! Brooks not only leaves behind his loving family, but many dear friends, cousins, and extended family members whose lives he has forever touched. He was husband to Carol Lopez Prothro. Father to Tami Jacobson and Bruce Prothro, both of Austin, Texas. Father-in-law to Ronda Prothro, Bruce’s wife. He was proud of his children and their accomplishments, and was always there for advice, fun, humor and their overall well-being. He additionally leaves behind the mother of his children, Elois Coleman Amon, of Naples, Florida. He was grandfather to Janelle Jacobson, Jacob Prothro, and Lauren Prothro. They made lasting memories with him in both California when they were young, and then later in Austin, Texas as teenagers and young adults. He reveled in teaching them how to target shoot and drive the ATV during their visits to Mississippi. Brooks was so proud of all of his grandchildren’s personal accomplishments thus far. He was a friend, mentor and step-father to Michael Lopez and Maria Moore, Stefanie and Shawn Wright, and Kimberly and Joseph Wilson. He was adored by his step- grandchildren, Kaylie, Samantha and Mia Wright, Layla and Jackson Wilson. Brooks enjoyed being a part of their lives since birth, and anticipated the unending potential of their futures. Brooks’ greatest gift and impact in life was his ability to make friends easily, tell stories, as well as share laughter, kindness and generosity with others. His colorful stories and sense of humor will be missed, but will always be remembered by those that knew and loved him. The Celebration of Life will be held on April 9, 2018 at 4PM at Reflection Garden at Stone Creek 6111 SW 89th Court Road Ocala, FL 34481 for admittance to the gated community RSVP to carola822@aol.com . A Service will be followed in his hometown of Mississippi, dates to be determined. Arrangements by Baldwin Brothers Funerals & Cremations 11250 SW 93rd Ct. Rd. Ocala, FL 352-236-7813.