Leon Frederick "Fred" Rooks, Jr., age 80, of Wilmington passed peacefully from his earthly life to his eternal rest on Friday, March 18, 2011 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center with family by his side.

He was born April 10, 1930 in Pender County to the late Leon Frederick Rooks, Sr. and Emma Platt Moore Rooks. Also remembered is his brother, Billy Platt Rooks who preceded Fred in death.

Fred leaves his beloved family to cherish his memory; his wife of 57 years, Anne Sawyer Rooks; daughters, Rebecca "Becky" Rooks Hughes (Mike) of Burgaw, Mary Anne Rooks Collins (Jim) of Plano, TX and Pamela Rooks Cooke (Travis) of Wilmington; grandchildren, Melissa Cowan, Natasha Lee (David), Jimmy Collins, Kathryn Collins, Garrison Cooke and Meredith Fitch (David); great grandchildren, Courtney Lee, and Virginia and Lee Fitch; sister and best friend, Betty Humbles Brown (Tom) of Castle Hayne; brother, Dwight Rooks of Wilmington; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends that Fred loved so dearly.

Fred was a faithful and active member of Wesley United Methodist Church. He proudly served his country honorably in the US Army. Fred retired after working 38 years with Holsum Bakery where he was known as Fred, The Bread Man. After retirement he continued to work part-time with Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Fred loved his family dearly and was the very best husband, daddy, Papa, Papa Bear, brother, uncle and friend that anyone could ask for. He always looked on the bright side of every situation. There is no one that enjoyed life more than Fred Rooks; he took advantage of all the good things that came his way. He was a man of faith, honor and integrity who served his Lord, his family and his country. Always remembered will be Fred's great sense of humor, caring manner, joy in life and most of all devotion to his family.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 21, 2011 at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church with the Rev. Margaret Hockett officiating. Burial will follow in Watha United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Burgaw.

Casketbearers will be Rowe Sawyer, Jr., Michael Sawyer, Gene Humbles, Jr., Lou Sawyer, Jerry Woodcock, E. B. Dixon, Jimmy Collins and Garrison Cooke.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 1401 S. College Rd., Wilmington, NC 28403 or to Watha United Methodist Church, PO Box 224, Willard, NC 28478.

Fred lived his life by a simple creed: Do justice, love your neighbor, and walk humbly with God. Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter into your rest.

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