Mark E Brooks

     Mark E. Brooks, age 60, a resident of both Dothan, Alabama and Bristow, Virginia, passed away on April 12, 2025 and went to be with the Lord. A fearless adventurer, devoted father, loving grandfather, faithful Christian, and loyal friend, Mark lived his life boldly to the very end.  

    A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, April 26th at Ward Wilson Funeral Home in Dothan, Alabama. Visitation will be at 10 AM with the service following at 11 AM.

Born on April 7, 1965, in Ozark, Alabama, to Edsel and Mildred Brooks, Mark spent his younger years in Florida, where his love for the outdoors and high-speed adventures first took root. He later made his home in Virginia, and after retirement, also in Alabama. Throughout his life, he was deeply connected to the natural world and those around him.

     A lifelong thrill-seeker, Mark found joy in motorcycle riding, dirt biking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, water skiing, and snow skiing. He was also a proud member of a close-knit group of competitive motorcycle riders, with whom he shared countless memories, challenges, and triumphs on and off the track

He was a gifted photographer with an artistic eye and a deep appreciation for beauty and nature. He had an innate curiosity and love of learning; he was a talented artist, taught himself to play guitar, and in his younger years practiced martial arts. 

     During his time in Dothan, he built a community of friends. He had many activities, but he spent most of his days volunteering at Forever Wild trails, assisting in improvements, maintenance, and riding the trails. He attended both Harvest Church and Ridgecrest Baptist Church.

     Mark was a skilled software engineer who built a successful and well-respected career before retiring in 2020. Thanks to his hard work and determination, he was able to retire early and spent the past five years enjoying life on his own terms.

     Mark’s outgoing personality and quick wit drew people in wherever he went. He built a strong community of friends and lived his life with passion, courage, and curiosity.

     He will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him.

     He is survived by his daughter, Mikayla (Long) Pham; a granddaughter, Edith Pham; his sister, Pamela (Jimmy) Franklin; his niece Jessica (Tanner) Barefield and their children; his nephew Zane (Vivian) Franklin, and their children.

     In lieu of flowers, our family welcomes donations made in Dad’s name to SAM Dothan, an organization he was deeply committed to. He was one of the lead volunteers for trail maintenance, and all proceeds will go toward the upkeep of those trails he cared so much about. Donations can be made here: https://samdothan.org/make-a-donation/.

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