Larry Dean Brooker, Sr

Larry Dean Brooker Sr., 82, of Jacksonville FL, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Born in Jacksonville Fl on March 5, 1942, and while he lived in northern Florida and southern Georgia for most of his life, Larry’s time as a UDT Navy Seal, and his work with the United Paperworkers International and United Steelworkers Unions took him around the world and the country before he ultimately moved back to Jacksonville where he spent the last 30+ years of his life.

Larry was a ‘Yulee Coolie’, who graduated as senior class president, where he made friendships he cherished throughout his life. And while he may have never walked a mile to school barefoot in the snow, he did run the mile barefoot, one in which he held a state record for years. After high school, Larry joined the Navy and was accepted into the elite NAVY UDT-SEAL training program which he completed and served in UDT 22. Later, he became both a father and a proud business owner of The Brooker Fence company. A union man, Larry was the President of the local union at St Regis/Kraft, before becoming an Organizer for the international union, and later a Representative before he retired. A patriot, neighbor, and friend, Larry was truly one of a kind. Feared by roulette tables from Brunswick to Vegas, Larry could be found cutting loose at a casino, playing the occasional prank, or chasing down rattlesnakes just for fun.

He had a great sense of humor and a competitive spirit - never to be outdone in push-ups or sit-ups. Larry was a beloved father, brother, uncle, and grandfather and a true pillar in his family. There could only be one Larry Brooker Sr - one PaPa - and he was ours. He is survived by his daughter Jennifer Brooker, step-daughter Betsy Snow-Woodward, Daughter-in-law Ginger Brooker, his grandchildren Nicole Brooker-Earl, Ashley Wilson, Amber Carlisle, Rachel Brooker, Zachary Reil, Heather Brooker, Shelby Woodward, Emily Woodward, and great-grandchild Austin Harp Jr., siblings Kieth Brooker, Marilyn Noble, Joann Crossway, Linda Gail Jackson, Susie Lemacks, Buddy Brooker, his former wife Gloria Brooker, and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and extended family whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents Jim and Lessie Irene Brooker, siblings Bobbie Brooker, Daryl Brooker, Kerry Brooker, Lee Brooker, first wife Vanette Brooker, and son Larry Brooker Jr.

The family will be holding services at 11 am, Friday, May 31st 2024 to honor his life and legacy at the Cedar Bay Funeral Home in Oceanway Florida, receiving friends and family beginning at 10:30 am. His life and memory will also be honored at a future date at The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce Florida.
 

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