(1923 – 1996)
A native of Pickens County, Grover Cleveland Brooks was born in Carrollton, Alabama, on August 31, 1923. As a small child, he learned to appreciate the soil, water, and our environment as he helped with family chores and on the farm.
He attended and graduated from Pickens County Training School in 1942. Having a great appreciation for education, he attended and graduated with a B.S. Degree in Agriculture Education in 1946 from Alabama A&M University. In 1949, he earned a Master’s Degree in Agronomy from Tennessee State University.
Mr. Brooks began his career with Alabama Cooperative Extension Service as Assistant County Agent in Dallas County in 1954. He was County Agent in Autauga County from 1957 through 1961, when he left to teach Vocational Agriculture and Science. He returned to Extension in 1972 in Marion County, where he served until his retirement.
Mr. Brooks was a quiet, soft-spoken man who provided leadership in his areas of responsibility. He possessed a caring personality, showing others his concern for them. He had a true love for his fellow man and devoted much time in teaching those he served ways to improve their quality of life. He was committed to Extension’s goal, “Education is our business.”
He authored two papers: “The Response of Small Grain Crops to Minor Plant Food Elements” and “The Increased Production of Various Tobacco Varieties.”
In addition to his career with the Cooperative Extension Service in Alabama, Mr. Brooks had many years of credit toward teaching in several systems in western Georgia and eastern Alabama. He mostly taught Vocational Agriculture but also taught general courses. He did his teaching work in the following school systems: Marengo County, Alabama, 1947-1953; Fayette County, Georgia, 1964-1965; Eufaula, Alabama, 1965-66; Bullock County, Alabama, 1966-1968; Harris County, Georgia, 1968-1970; and Phenix City, Alabama, 1970-1971.
After retirement from the Marion County Extension Service on August 31, 1983, Brooks made Carrollton, Alabama, his home. Grover Brooks died on April 17, 1996. Survivors include a daughter, Dorithia B. Bedgood, and a son, Longino Brooks.
In memory of this man and his diligent work, the name Grover C. Brooks is inscribed on the dedicatory plaque of the Extension Memorial Chapel.
Chapel Plaque Inscription Number: 387
