Bobby Ray & Lily Inez Brooks

Bobby Ray Brooks, 91, and Lily Inez (McKinney) Brooks, 91, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, surrounded by family members.  Born just 2 months apart and passing only 2 hours apart, Bobby and Lily were determined to walk through life together as one team.

Bobby and Lily were born in Tennessee; Bobby on January 9, 1932, and Lily on March 21, 1932.  They met during their junior year of high school and could not wait to be married. At age 17, Bobby and Lily drove to Georgia and were married on June 25, 1949.  Neither returned to school for their senior year, instead choosing to begin what would be a very long journey through life together.  In 1951, they welcomed the first of their seven children, Wanda Bobette, followed by Michael Ray (Julia), Jimmy Lowe (Sharon), Terry Wayne, Ronald Jeffrey (Jenny), John Philip (Patti), and Lisa René Gross (David).

In the late 1950s, Bobby and Lily moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, where Bobby worked as a mechanic.  Shortly thereafter, Bobby started driving over-the-road trucks which he continued to do for much of his working years.  Meanwhile, Lily worked as an office manager for many central Indiana car dealerships until her retirement.  Along the way, Bobby and Lily continued to demonstrate their togetherness and teamwork, forming a small trucking business called “B & L Brooks, Enterprises” which, at its height, operated 6 semi tractor trailers and dump trucks and employed 7 people.

Bobby and Lilly enjoyed several passions in life.  For many years, they grew a large garden and canned many of the fruits of their labor.  The ultimate “do it yourself-er”, Bobby loved fixing things, spending many a night and weekend toiling in the garage.  He also enjoyed watching automobile racing, especially NASCAR.  For much of her life, Lily enjoyed quilting and crocheting and, more recently, watching her beloved Indiana Pacers.  But their greatest joy came in spending time with their 16 grandchildren, more than 30 great grandchildren, and 1 great, great grandchild.

Graveside Services will be held at 11 am, Friday, September 15, 2023, in Carmel Cemetery, Carmel, Indiana. 

Arrangements entrusted to Bussell Family Funerals.

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