OBITUARY: Robert Earl Brooks

Robert Earl Brooks, Age 74, of Nashville, TN. Passed away on July 25, 2026.

Preceded in death by his parents, Marion “Uncle Sam” Brooks and Mary Lou Brooks.

He is survived by his wife, Cherese Brooks; children, Marcus (Sarah) Brooks, Nicole Brooks, and Meagan Brooks; grandchildren, Maddox Brooks, Ruby Brooks, Alexander Brooks, and Thomas Brooks; brother-in-law, Chris “my oldest kid” Garner; and his grand-puppy, Charlie.

Robert Earl was a true hero in our community. For over five decades, he dedicated his life to helping others. He began his career as an ambulance driver at Phillips-Robinson and earned his EMT license back in 1971, proudly holding license number 10 for the state of TN. In 1974, he joined Nashville Fire EMS, where he worked tirelessly and eventually became the Paramedic Assistant Chief before retiring in July 2004.

In 1984, he was instrumental in setting up the original Lifeflight Communications. After his time with Nashville Fire, he continued to serve in various capacities until he retired from Vanderbilt in 2023. Most recently, in October 2025, he officially retired his license after an astonishing 54 years of service.

Visitation will be at Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home on Friday, July 31 from 4pm-8pm. The service will be at Crievewood United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 1 at 12:30pm with Pastor John Hill officiating. There will be visitation for 2 hours before the service at the church. Interment immediately following at Spring Hill Cemetery.

Flowers are welcome but please make donations to Crievewood United Methodist Church or to Box 55, The Fire Buffs, at P.O. Box 202 Madison, TN 37116.

His Service will be live streamed via the Church’s facebook.

For more obituaries visit our obituaries page.

This obituary was published by Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home.

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