William Michael Brooks (Mike) was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on May 8, 1962. He attended Antioch High School and Vol State College. He was a dedicated member of the Nashville Fire Department for over 35 years, first as a firefighter/EMT, then as an engineer. He worked hard throughout the years and eventually became a captain, a position he took much pride in. He frequently said being on the fire department was the best job he had ever had.

He always aspired to be a firefighter. Mike’s grandfather, who he never met, was a firefighter for Nashville/Davidson County and died in the line of duty in 1933. Mike’s dream came true in 1987, when he and his wife were expecting their first child. As a matter of fact, the day he graduated from the academy, his wife and son were still in the hospital.

Mike always helped others. He never wanted credit for his good deeds. He would sometimes mow a neighbor’s grass or buy small tokens of love and leave them for someone in need. It truly was a regular part of his life to do random acts of kindness. Many things he did for others went without any recognition, and that was on purpose. The recipient was completely unaware that the act of kindness was carried out by the man down the road.

Mike left this earth for his Heavenly home on February 1, 2022, to be with his Lord and to join his middle son, Matthew, who passed four years prior. He leaves behind many loved ones who grieve his loss daily, including his wife, Sherry; sons, Stephen and Mitchell; and mother, Shirley.