Mr. James David Brock Jr.

Obituary For Mr. James David Brock Jr.

The Story Of B-rock, the Brock of all Brocks

James David Brock Jr, 58, passed peacefully in his sleep on Monday, April 22,2024 at his home.

He woke in Heaven to the welcoming arms of his wife: Christie Brock; sons, Cody Brock and O’Neal Brock (Morgan); parents, David and Eileen Whatley and James David Brock SR.; siblings, Alton Whatley, Harold Whatley, William Whatley, and Mena Gonzales.

David is missed tremendously by: his children, Britany (George) Gargone, Nichole (David) Martin, Michelle Brock, Dakota Brock, Hunter Brock; parent, Maria Brock; siblings, Freda (Carroll) Hinzman, Dawn Bufford, Melonie (Danny) Dean, Susan Minolfo and Antonio (Joana) Brock; numerous grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and loving family and friends.

Although Brock was born in Rockledge, Fl, he was an Alabama man through and through.

Born on October 14,1965 to James David Brock SR. and Eileen Gwaltney, Brock was the youngest of their three children behind Dawn and Melonie.

In 1973 Eileen followed the Outreach for Christ church, currently known as Jesus New Covenant, to what was said to be a holy ground in Collinsville, Al. At the time she was a single mother of three, following faith and teaching her children the power of prayer. They stayed with friends from the church until they found a place, a small home with no indoor plumbing. As was once told, the pot was emptied by the youngest of three. His father, a man of the law, got remarried to Maria Brock and had two more children- Antonio and Susan. Eileen later remarried to David Whatley, who had five children- William, Harold, Alton, Mona, and Freda.

David Whatley, a man of the book, taught our Brock everything from carpentry to the unconditional love of man and God.

Brock was a graduate of Sand Rock High School Class of 1984. Having attended Sand Rock schools since middle school, Brock was well known. His sweet nature and goofy personality made everyone love being in his presence. Even in his teens, he was authentic- Who do you know that wore a tux to school after hearing ‘Sharp Dressed Man’ by ZZ Topp? Brock excelled academically as well as won countless awards in trade school for welding. He even won a scholarship to Gadsden Sate where after only two days he decided he’d rather learn from the school of life.

Despite the guidance of a sheriff and a preacher, Brock spent some time in trouble with the law. After turning his life around, he used those years on the wrong path as his living testimony, especially when out on the road working. Teaching and preaching the importance of hard work and an honest life to the ones he met along the way. As a traveling millwright at Process Baron for over 15 years, Brock made friends throughout the states. A stranger he never met, and everyone was family. While the destinations often changed, his road family was the same for more than a decade. Terry and Michelle Mintz were his home when away from home.

“Soulmates are two best friends who fell in love.”- faraway.

James David Brock met Christie Joanna Hudgins in the late 80s through mutual friends. Their story begins like all the great ones, as friends. When they first met, Christie was married and pregnant with her second child, Nichole Martin, and her first born, Britany Martin, was still in diapers. Britany was born in January of 1985 then Nichole followed in August of 1987. Within four years, they fell in love and welcomed their first son, Cody Brock, in October of 1991. On began their friends to forever, wild, and crazy romance. The love they had for one another was of the deepest form. Such passion can only be described as the realest of loves. In February of 1995 they welcome their second son, David O’Neal Brock. While being parents were both of their greatest joys, four kids was enough, so Christie had her tubes tied. To everyone’s surprise their daughter, Michelle Brock, arrived in August of 1996 and their youngest son, Dakota Brock, in October of 1997. If you knew Brock, you knew the value of family. He raised all six children equally and the word step was never used. Brock taught his children about being humble and fair, how to love all and judge none.

Grandpa was his favorite name. The pride and joy he felt for his grandchildren was heard by all who’d listen. He never passed up an opportunity to brag and always poured love into their souls. A beam of pure happiness shined on his face every time he was in the presence of any of his grands. “I love you more than anything in the whole wide world”, was often heard. Brock showed his love every way he could. There was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with those he loved, especially fishing with his grandsons. Brock raised one of his grands, Hunter, since he was a baby. More like a son, Hunter was and will always be his baby.

Brock was best known for his huge heart and singing abilities. If you never heard his karaoke of ‘Black Betty’, then you missed the greatest remix. If you had, you understand why he never quit his day job. When he was home, one didn’t have to look far to find him. He could be found in a shop with his ‘brothers’, Lynn and Bryan, or behind the smoker drowning food in BBQ sauce, or casting a line with one of the Brown boys. Saturdays were for sports, whether that be cheering on his grands or screaming Roll Tide. Brock was happiest when surrounded by family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his grandson, Hunter Brock. An account has been set up at Metro Bank under Suzanna Brock or Hunter Brock. The family also asks that you take a moment to hug your loved ones, encourage you to take those family trips, and Like Brock always told his children and grandkids, “Don’t forget to say your prayers.”

Honorary Pallbearers: Lynn Thomas, Bryan Harris, Terry Mintz, William Bryant, Jacob Brown, Chris Brown, Mikey Cantrell, Jamie McGinnis.

Celebration of Life Memorial services will be Friday, April 26,2024 at the Ashville Church of God located at 605 Pinedale Rd./ Ashville, AL 35953 at 6:00pm. Eulogist: Brother Greg Ashley

We ask that you please keep this family in your prayers during their time of bereavement.

Arrangements under the direction of West Gadsden Funeral Home. 256-549-0004

“Your Bridge Over Troubled Waters”