Derek Brooks

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Derek Brooks, age 33, took his final breath on November 22, 2025, surrounded by the family who loved him endlessly.

Derek was a devoted husband, a proud father, a beloved son, and a loyal friend whose heart was as strong as the fighter he proved to be until the very end. Derek’s courage, humor, kindness, and resilience left an imprint on everyone who crossed his path. He fought with everything he had, and even in the hardest moments, he showed a grace and strength that will never be forgotten. He was also a loyal Georgia Bulldogs fan, and every game day you could find him cheering on his Dawgs with pride and passion.

Born with a gentle spirit and a quiet strength, Derek spent 15 beautiful years with the love of his life, his wife, Candace, and together they built a marriage filled with laughter, partnership, and unwavering devotion for 10 of those years. Their greatest joy came in the form of their two children—Brantley (12) and Brooklyn (10) whom Derek adored with every piece of his heart.

He was the kind of father who showed up, who listened, who loved deeply, and who made his family feel safe, cherished, and endlessly supported.

Derek is preceded in death by his mother, Jennie Brooks, and his grandfather, Bobby Orr, whose memories he carried with him always.

He is survived by those who will forever hold him close: his wife Candace, his children Brantley and Brooklyn, his sister Caroline Brooks, his only nephew Liam Carroll, his grandmother Sandra Orr, his loving aunts and uncles—Stacy Rymer (Keith Rymer), Kellie Ledford (Jerry Ledford), and Melissa Smith (Raymond Smith) and his father Joseph Brooks- as well as numerous extended family members and friends who were blessed to know him.

Though his time with us was far too short, the love he gave and the memories he created will continue to shine through the hearts of his wife, his children, and all who knew him. His story, his laughter, his devotion, and his love will live on always.

May he rest in peace, wrapped in the same love he gave so freely!

Memorial Park Braselton Funeral Home 5257 Hwy 53 Braselton, GA 30517 is in charge of arrangements. Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Derek Brooks, please visit our floral store.