Kenneth Rooks

Obituaries

Tuesday, 14 December 2021 10:20

Kenneth Herman Rooks, born on Thursday, January 8, 1931, passed away on Thursday, December 9, 2021. Funeral services were held on Sunday, December 12, 2021 with Pastor Craig White and Pastor Alan Crawford officiating. Burial followed in Rainsville Memorial Park Cemetery.
Kenneth was born to Sidney and Ella Rooks and was the youngest of eight children. As a young person, Kenneth learned to face adversity in the depression era through the loss of two older siblings. He graduated from Pisgah High in 1950. Kenneth began what would ultimately be a 30+ year career in Chattanooga with E.I. Dupont after graduating. Soon after his 20th birthday, he entered the United States Army in 1951, destined for the Korean Conflict. His combat duty was cut short by a severe automobile accident in May of that year; his recover spanned several months in the hospital. He was honorably discharged in March of 1953.
Kenneth married the love of his life, Hilda Jo, in August of 1952. He and Jo moved to Chattanooga to be re-employed by Dupont. In the early 1950’s Kenneth became a home builder while holding a fulltime job. During that time, he built homes for his parents, siblings, his own family, friends and other acquaintances. These skills, along with his abilities to understand and repair almost anything mechanical, gained him the respect of his peers and admiration of his family. During their time in Chattanooga, Kenneth and Jo were long time members of Memorial Baptist Church, followed by many years of membership at Pisgah Baptist Church.
After a successful career with Dupont, Kenneth and Jo returned to the family farm in Henagar where they lived until recently after a move to New Market to be closer to their son. Kenneth was a patriot. His life is a testament to hard work, generosity and service to his god, family and country. His example lives on.
Kenneth is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Jo; sister, Jane Cohn; sons, Larry (Mary Ann) Rooks, Jack (Lynne) Rooks; grandchildren, Holly (Joseph) Grenvicz, Bradley (Jilll) Rooks, Lauren (jacob) McGehee, Tyler Rooks; great-grandchildren, Lyla Grenvicz, Betsy Grenvicz, Clay Grenvicz, Hayden Rooks, Hope Rooks. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Pearl Rooks, Cordelle Harrison; brothers, J.W. Rooks, Harvell Rooks, Fred Rooks, Alvin Rooks.