Brooks Gist, a longtime resident of Chattanooga, died Saturday, March 28, 2020, of age-related complications. He was born in Scottsboro, Alabama, on February 12, 1929. He was 91 years old.
Brooks was a devoted member of Oakwood Baptist Church, where he was a deacon and involved in the music ministry. He was also a proud and loyal member of the Chattanooga Barbershop Chorus of Chattanooga. He was retired from Combustion Engineering of Chattanooga.
Brooks was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice H. Gist and Ella Mae Collins Gist of Scottsboro. Ala. He was also preceded in death by his siblings Junior Gist , Doyle Gist and Nina Stanfield.
Brooks Gist had two loving wives, Vula Killian Gist and Audrey Vineyard Gist, who gave him much joy and happiness before they went to be with the Lord before him.
Mr. Gist is survived by his daughter, Sandra Gist Ryan (Conroy) of Moody, Ala., and son, David Michael Gist (Jeanie) of Marietta, Ga. He has one surviving sister, Imogene Gist Bray of Leeds, Ala.
Brooks was a proud grandfather to his granddaughters Brooke Ryan Emmert (John) , Rachel M Ryan and Sarah Ryan Brooks ( Isaac) and had six great-grandchildren, Jack, William, Audrey, Elsie, Elijah and Gideon. Mr. Gist also had many nieces and nephews who were proud to call him Uncle Sonny.
The last five years of Brooks' life were challenging but with the help of his Lord and Savior he accepted his challenges with good grace. Because of that the Lord granted him peace and contentment in his circumstances.
The family would like to thank Jennifer Nunley, Sherry Smith and their extended family for the love and care they provided for our Dad. You made him feel loved and safe as you cared for his physical and emotional well-being. For that we will be forever grateful.
Brooks Gist was a quiet and gentle man and was loved and respected by many people. His children are blessed and proud to call him Dad. His grandchildren are honored to call him Papaw.
To quote Brooks favorite song that others enjoyed hearing him sing:
"Beulah Land I am longing for you
Some Sweet Day on Thee I will stand
Where my home is Eternal
Beulah Land Sweet Beulah Land."
On Saturday March 28,2020, heaven received another sweet voice to sing in the Heavenly Choir.
Praise God for sharing Brooks Gist with our world.
Arrangements are by Ryan Funeral Home & Crematory, Trenton, Ga.
