Donnie Ray Brooks

Retired Master Sergeant Donnie Ray Brooks, age 69, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at home. He was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on November 25, 1955, to Ammie Mae Malone. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Vicki Patrice Brooks, with whom he would have celebrated their anniversary on May 23, and by his four children: Deidre “Dee Dee” Carter of Greenville, South Carolina; Kristina Patrice Watkis (Maurice) of Hazel Green, Alabama; Joshua Ray Brooks of New York, New York; and Ammie Kae Brooks of Chicago, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his loving and kind sister, Sandra McNeil. Donnie will also be deeply missed by his siblings — Brenda Jefferson (Willie), Debbie Blair, and Derrick Malone, all of Memphis, Tennessee. He leaves behind a host of grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and beloved extended family.

Donnie often shared stories of his humble beginnings in Orange Mound, a historic neighborhood in Memphis. After graduating from Melrose High School, he enlisted in the United States Army and served on active duty during the Vietnam War era. Known for candidly capturing moments with his camera — from fellow soldiers to the landscapes and cultures he encountered abroad — Donnie’s passion for photojournalism followed him throughout life. He later pursued media and broadcast courses at Central Texas College, which led to an engineering role at WREG Channel 3 in Memphis.

There, Donnie launched a 30-year career in media — working behind the scenes on live broadcasts, field reports, sports programming, and studio productions, including coverage for the Memphis Grizzlies. Alongside his full-time media career, he also ran a boutique photography and videography business specializing in weddings and family reunions. All the while, Donnie served in the United States Army Reserve, ultimately retiring honorably after 31 years of distinguished service. He was highly respected by his fellow soldiers, media colleagues, and veterans alike.

A proud and lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, Donnie passed down his love for the team to his wife and children. He enjoyed cooking — with signature meals like barbecue ribs, spaghetti and meatballs — and was known for prioritizing family, living joyfully, and generously sharing financial wisdom and encouragement with others.

Donnie’s love for music led him to sing in the men’s choir at Christ the Rock Church in Memphis, TN. He also served as a volunteer missionary with Cedine Bible Ministries in Spring City, Tennessee, where he brought his passion for cooking to the kitchen ministry. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, church community, military brothers and sisters, and all who knew and loved him. His family is comforted by the peace of knowing they will see him again in heaven.

As 2 Corinthians 5:8 says: "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord."

In lieu of flowers, donations in Donnie Ray Brooks’ honor may be made to his favorite charity

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.