Longtime Texas Baptist Leader Dr. Ray O. Brooks Dies at 103

Brooks spent over 70 years shaping ministers and church leaders at Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary

Apr. 5, 2026 at 10:20am

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Dr. Ray O'Dell Brooks, a prominent figure in East Texas ministry and education for over seven decades, passed away on March 26 at the age of 103. Brooks served as president of Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary for 50 years, shaping countless ministers and church leaders during his tenure. He was also the longtime pastor of Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church in Longbranch, retiring at the age of 100.

Why it matters

Dr. Brooks' life and work had a profound impact on the Texas Baptist community, training generations of pastors and missionaries who went on to serve churches across the state and beyond. His unwavering faith and dedication to ministry left a lasting legacy that will continue to shape the region's religious landscape.

The details

Brooks was born in 1923 in Emhouse, near Corsicana, and grew up on cotton farms in Navarro County. After serving in the Naval Air Corps during World War II, he returned home and accepted his calling to ministry in 1950. He became the pastor of Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church in Longbranch, a role he held for an extraordinary 71 years until his retirement at age 100. Under his leadership, the church became deeply involved in church planting efforts across Texas and beyond. In 1951, Brooks joined the faculty of Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary in Henderson, eventually becoming president, a position he held for 50 years. In this role, he helped equip generations of pastors and missionaries, extending his impact far beyond East Texas.

  • Brooks was born on March 7, 1923.
  • He enlisted in the Naval Air Corps during World War II.
  • Brooks accepted his calling to ministry in 1950.
  • He became the pastor of Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church in Longbranch in 1951, serving for 71 years until his retirement at age 100.
  • Brooks passed away on March 26, 2026, at the age of 103.

The players

Dr. Ray O'Dell Brooks

A towering figure in East Texas ministry and education whose influence spanned generations, serving as president of Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary for 50 years and as the longtime pastor of Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church in Longbranch.

Mickey Evans Brooks

Dr. Brooks' wife of 67 years, who passed away before him.

Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary

The institution where Dr. Brooks spent over 70 years shaping countless ministers and church leaders, serving as a student, instructor, registrar, dean, and ultimately president for 50 years.

Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church

The church in Longbranch, Texas, where Dr. Brooks served as pastor for an extraordinary 71 years, retiring at age 100.

Patty Christian

Dr. Brooks' daughter, who resides in Henderson, Texas.

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What they’re saying

“For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

— Dr. Ray O. Brooks

What’s next

A public memorial service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in Henderson on Saturday, April 11, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Texas Baptist Institute and Seminary.

The takeaway

Dr. Ray O. Brooks' unwavering dedication to ministry and education left an indelible mark on the Texas Baptist community, as he spent over seven decades shaping the next generation of pastors and church leaders. His life and work serve as a testament to the power of faith, service, and a steadfast commitment to one's calling.