Brockey Brock dies at age 60 after battling cancer

ALBANY — Former Albany Recreation and Parks Director and long time sports official Brocky Brock died Saturday at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital after a long battle with cancer. He was 60.

Brock began his 39-year career in Recreation and Parks in Albany at the age of 17 under the tutelage of Albany sports legend the late Paul Eames. The two developed a life-long friendship and Brock credited his passion for recreation to Eames who coached him in baseball as a child.

Brock eventually became the director of the Albany Recreation and Parks Department until his retirement from the City of Albany in 1996. He went on to be named Director of Valdosta-Lowndes Leisure Opportunities as well as Crisp County Recreation and Parks. He left recreation in 2010 and up until his illness he worked with R and S Sports in Albany.

As a sports official Brock enjoyed a 39-year career with Georgia High School Association (GHSA), Georgia Independent Schools Association (GISA), Gulf South Collegiate Association (GSCA), Amateur Softball Association (ASA), Georgia College Baseball and Basketball, and Dixie Semi Pro Football Association.

“Brockey was a super guy, he would have a conversation with you on just about anything,” Dougherty County School System Athletic Director Johnny Seabrooks said. “He was always fair and straight up with us.. If we had a problem he would listen and get back to you. That made our relationship special. The kids respected him and I never saw him as confrontational, he was always willing to work with the players and the coaches.”

Deerfield-Windsor School Athletic Director Gordy Gruhl agreed.

“Somebody asked me the other day how far Brockey and I went back, and it’d have to be at least 31 years,” Gruhl said. “The guy was hard not to like. Brockey was always willing to work with you if you had a problem because it was always about the kids. We’ve missed him in this area for awhile and he left a lasting impression on a lot of different people.

“He certainly will not be forgotten.”

Brock was the first umpire associated with Georgia ASA to receive International Certification, and was former chairman of the ASA’s National Umpire Committee. During his career he officiated 15 national championships for ASA with 14 as plate umpire, 16 state high school baseball championships, numerous high school state football playoffs, and officiated the first World Championship Adult Slow Pitch Softball in Oklahoma City.

An Albany native, Brock attended Westover High School before transferring to Albany High School his senior year where he graduated in 1972. Later in his early 20s he received a scholarship to play football for Albany State University, becoming the school’s first white football player.

Brock earned his Bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from ASU in 1987. He was also a graduate of the University of Georgia’s National Recreation Management Program.

In 2010, Brock was elected to the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Hall of Fame.

Brock is survived by his wife of almost 40 years, Debbie Maines Brock; three sons, Brandon Jason Brock of Leesburg, Brent Harold Brock of Atlanta, and Brockey Leelyn Brock of Cordele, and his brother and sister in law, Brent Dean Brock and Missie of Murfreesboro, Tenn.

His funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Albany First Free Will Baptist Church with interment to follow at Crown Hill Cemetery. The Rev. Billy Hanna and the Rev. Bobby Harrell will officiate. The family will receive friends at Kimbrell-Stern on today from 5-7 p.m.