Age 88, Stanley, Va.
Emmett Henry “Junior” Brooks, 88, of Stanley, passed away on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Skyview Springs Nursing and Rehab in Luray.
He was born on July 15, 1937, in Virginia and was a son of the late Emmett Elmo Brooks and Virginia Rachel Alger Brooks. He grew up in Stanley in the Kite Hollow area.
At the age of 15, Emmett moved to Maryland to work with his uncle Bill at his company, Alger Electric Inc. For more than 70 years, the company has remained the family business.
Emmett never forgot the town he grew up in. Being a Master Electrician, he was pleased to help with the electrical installation at both the Shenandoah and Stanley branches of Pioneer Bank.
Emmett purchased the old Gulf Station in Stanley, rebuilt it and changed it to an Exxon Station. Later, he purchased the old chicken house along the property adjacent to the gas station, added a second floor and turned it into apartments and a restaurant. On the upper lot, Emmett then built a High’s store. Upon completion, he purchased the house and horse field across the street from the Exxon, where he built the shopping center, which is now occupied by the Department of Social Services. He then became co-owner and developer of the property, which is now known as Deerfield Estates.
His ventures also included the purchase of a petroleum company in Maryland, now named Spigler Petroleum Equipment, LLC, where he remains the controlling stockholder.
When 88 acres became available in Kite Hollow, Emmett purchased the property, which he named after his grandson, Bob. Jr. The Bob Brooks Family Retreat became the setting for many family gatherings, as well as the annual Fourth of July picnic with a firework display, which he loved and looked forward to each year.
Emmett held his Master Electrical License in both Maryland and Virginia and had also served on the Page County Zoning Commission. He was a member of the Fellowship Baptist Church in Stanley.
During his free time, Emmett enjoyed traveling, tending to his garden and his horses.
On September 15, 1972, he married Leola Catherine Meadows Brooks, who survives.
In addition to his wife, Emmett is survived by four daughters, Mary Jean “Jeanne” Miller of Stanley, Sandra “Sandy” Janiski and husband James of White Hall, MD, Wanda Brooks of Beaufort, SC, and Patricia “Patty” Lentz and husband Gene of Delta, PA; two sons, Robert “Bob” Brooks of Pikesville, MD, and Jeffrey “Jeff” Brooks and wife Tammy of Westminster, MD; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a sister, June Buynar; his daughter-in-law, Susan Brooks; and a grandson, Robert “Bob Jr.” Brooks.
A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, at the Bradley Funeral Home by Pastor Donnie Sherfey. A private graveside service will be conducted at the Graves Chapel Cemetery in Stanley.
Family and friends are welcome to pay their respects and sign the guest book from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, August 15, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice.
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