Edgar Rooks

Augusta, GA - On February 8, 2025, after a courageous two-year battle with leukemia, Edgar Rooks went home to be with his Heavenly Father and Jesus, his Savior. He passed peacefully in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving wife and children.

Edgar was born on June 10, 1935, in Augusta, GA, to James D. Rooks and Lillian Harrison Rooks. Edgar was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Frank Rooks. He is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Shirley Rooks; his daughters, Rebecca Fortson and Mary Ellen Fortson; his granddaughter, Haley Yahn; his sister, Lydia Cameron; and several cherished nieces and nephews.

Growing up in the Harrisburg community of Augusta during the 1940s, Edgar and his younger brother enjoyed the freedom of childhood adventures—riding bikes, playing ball, swimming in Lake Olmstead, and exploring the banks of the Savannah River. Always returning home to the warmth of family and the delicious meals prepared by their mother, who was a wonderful cook.

Edgar attended Martha Lester Elementary School and graduated from Richmond Academy in Augusta, Ga. Following graduation, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy as an electrician’s mate aboard the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal. His service took him on a North Atlantic cruise, where he crossed the Arctic Circle, as well as a Mediterranean cruise, where he crossed the equator. While serving in the Navy, he was a boxer and became a Welterweight Champion—experiences he held dear throughout his life.

After his time in the Navy, Edgar returned to Augusta and became a journeyman wireman. He was a dedicated member of the IBEW Local 1579 for over 50 years, serving as Assistant Business Agent for the last two decades of his career. His work took him across the country, from New York City—where he contributed to the construction of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the New York World’s Fair, and the Museum of Modern Art’s to hospitals, power plants, missile sites, and manufacturing facilities nationwide. He was also proud to have played a role in the Apollo 11 space mission, which placed the first man on the moon. Edgar was one of the many who helped build America, and his legacy of dedication and hard work will not be forgotten.

Edgar lived a long, full, and meaningful life. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by not only those who were near and dear to him, but by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Edgar’s memory to the Children’s Hospital of Georgia in Augusta, GA, 1446 Harper Street, Augusta, GA 30912, https://donate.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/?hospital

The funeral service will be held Friday, February 14, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Thomas Poteet & Son with Pastor Frank Garner officiating. Interment will follow in Westover Memorial Park. 

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 P.M., at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484.