ROBERT A. BROOKER's Obituary
Robert A. “Alex” Brooker, 79, of Gainesville, Virginia, formerly of Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Adler Hospice Center in Aldie, Virginia.
Alex was born on June 25, 1946, in Washington, DC, to the late Robert Morris Brooker and Ruby Mildred (Parler) Brooker. He graduated from Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Maryland, in 1964. Following graduation, Alex enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served aboard the USS Neosho until 1966. After his military service, he attended the University of Maryland and graduated in 1971.
Alex married his high school sweetheart, Candace “Candy,” and they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage. One of his favorite stories to tell was how Candy asked him to a Sadie Hawkins dance—and the rest was history.
In 1971, Alex began a career with Sears, Roebuck and Company that spanned 30 years. After retiring in 2001, he moved to Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, where he enjoyed two of his greatest passions: the beach and the golf course. Alex could often be found playing golf with friends and enjoying the coastal life he loved.
Alex was also deeply involved in his community for many years, volunteering as a coach for Little League baseball, basketball, and soccer. Coaching brought him great joy, especially the time it allowed him to spend with his son.
In addition to his parents, Alex was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Candace Giroux Brooker.
He leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his memory: his daughter, Allison L. Whitt and her husband Jason of Leesburg, Virginia; his son, Jason A. Brooker and his wife Emma of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory; and two beloved grandchildren, Hunter and Madison of Leesburg, Virginia, who brought him immense pride and joy. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Brooker, and her wife Nancy of Holly Springs, North Carolina.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Alex’s ashes will be committed to the sea by the United States Navy.
In memory of Alex, the family asks that donations be made to First Tee, a charity that provides educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Donations may be sent to:
First Tee
PO Box 3055
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32004 or made online at :https://firsttee.org/donate/
What’s your fondest memory of ROBERT?
What’s a lesson you learned from ROBERT?
Share a story where ROBERT's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with ROBERT you’ll never forget.
How did ROBERT make you smile?