Avery Lee Rooks, 91, of Columbia, passed away Thursday, September 28, 2023 at his residence. He was born in Adair County on September 17, 1932 to the late Welby Lee and Myrtie Rooks. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice Burton Rooks, in 2019.
Mr. Rooks was a member of the Caldwell Ridge Separate Baptist Church and attended many churches, going wherever God led him on Sunday morning. He enjoyed woodworking and spending time with family and friends. Avery was always up for a conversation, and he was never at a loss for words.
Survivors include two siblings, Eugene Rooks (Polly) of Edinburgh, Ind. and Ida Pearl Bryant of Franklin, Ind.; two half-brothers, Holland Rooks and Alvin Rooks both of Louisville; three half-sisters, Bonnie Shelton and Judy Wilkerson, both of Louisville, and Dottie Levin of Missouri; and several nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by five siblings, Rollin Rooks, Charles Rooks, Cecil Burton, Ruth Burton, and Tyler Rooks; and a half-brother, Welby Rooks.
Funeral services were held Sunday, October 1, 2023 at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home with burial in the Columbia Cemetery. Visitation was held Saturday at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home.
Bro. Raymond Atwood officiated, and pallbearers were Jackie Cravens, John Rooks, Allen Rooks, Jeff Pyles, Sam Janes, Caden Pyles and Shane Coffey.
