Jesse Mott Rooks, Jr. of Rocky Mount, 80, passed away on November 1, 2012. He was born September 8, 1932 in Willifordtown and graduated from Benvenue High School. Jesse joined the US Navy after high school and served in combat during the Korean War aboard the USS Bremerton. His love of the sea and service of our country remained throughout his life, and he continued serving until retirement from the US Navy Reserves with forty years service, as a Sr. Chief Boatswains Mate.
When Jesse returned to North Carolina following his active duty service, he was employed by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad as a machinist. As the railroad consolidated and merged he was relocated to Florence, SC and later returned to Emerson Shops, and ended his career as a switchman. The railroad was a family tradition, as he followed his father, and many other family members followed him.
His love of fishing earned him the nickname of Shad as a child, which stuck throughout his life. His interest included hunting, working his farm and nurturing his grape vineyard, and over his life the care of many animals.
Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Mott Rooks, Sr. and Mary Whitley
Rooks, and four siblings Lula R. Rose of Wilmington, Andrew Benjamin Rooks, Jimmie C. Rooks, and Janet R. Hamilton of Rocky Mount.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Frances Burnette Rooks formerly of
Franklin County. He is survived by his son, Garry R. Rooks and his wife Peggy C. Rooks of Libertyville, IL, and his daughter, Janet Rooks Wright and her husband Jay Wright of McLean, VA. He also has four grandchildren Ryan Clark Rooks, Eric W. Rooks, Rachael M. Wright, and David R. Wright. His single surviving sibling is Lucille R. Hyde and her husband Hubert H. Hyde of Nashville.
Visitation will be Sunday, November 4, 2012 at Wheeler Woodlief Funeral Home from 7:00-8:30PM.The burial and graveside service will be held on Monday, November 5, 2012 at Rocky Mount Memorial Park at 11:00AM.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Sunday 11/4, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Service
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Monday 11/5, 11:00 am
Cemetery
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Uncle Jesse was a hard working railroad man, a veteran that served our great country, a loving husband, father, brother and an all around great man. Wish I could have known you better. Our loss is heaven’s gain. Thoughts and prayers are with the family ~ may your many beautiful memories be a comfort to you during this difficult time. Love Mike & Theresa Rooks Peaden
Randy and Peggy and all the Rooks Family. So sorry to hear about Mr. Rooks. He did love his fishing with the family. My dad enjoyed many fishing days with Jesse and Jimmy. Enjoy the memories and know you are thought of at this time. Bless you all. Judy Pittman King and Johnnie King
As we make our journey throu this life, death is our final stop. We are over come with grief. Even the perfect man, Jesus Christ, Gave way to tears. So greatly greived was he over the death of his friend, Lazarous. (John 1135) Jesus said I am the resurrection & the life. (John 1125) What a wonderful gift we have been givin, to have the hope of seening our loved ones once again.