Freddie Sylvester Brooks

You may have known him as that smart, knowledgeable and engaging CEO of Binding Products, Inc., a successful business where customers came first and who deeply cared about the awesome staff who worked for him. Or maybe you remember that nice man who was a volunteer coach for a little league basketball team. Maybe you were a neighbor, friend or coworker whose heart was warmed as Freddie proudly and lovingly shared stories about his beautiful children. Our family knows him by his broad smile, deep insights, great sense of humor, and as a loving father, son, brother and friend.

 Freddie Sylvester Brooks was born on February 15, 1960. He went to his eternal home on February 17, 2025. He was preceded in death by his mother, Cora Brooks; father, James Brooks; sister, Janet Wright and brother, Gregory Brooks. He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Faith Brooks and Freddie Brooks Jr.; his sisters, Malinda Brooks-Williams and Delores Kimbrough; his brothers, Larry Brooks and Kevin Brooks; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

 Freddie Brooks grew up in Richmond, Virginia. From his earliest years, Freddie excelled in track and field, basketball and chess. Before the age of 12, Freddie earned a Most Valuable Player award for basketball. At 14, as an honor student, he was named the Boy of the Year by the Boys Club of Richmond! The award was celebrated in an article in the Richmond Times Dispatch Newspaper. Freddie went on to become the captain of his high school basketball team. He earned a Most Outstanding Player award in high school basketball. Freddie also earned a Most Valuable Player award for track and field in high school. The Richmond Boys Club named him their chess champion in 1975.

 Freddie graduated with honors from the University of Virginia Darden Business School. After earning a Master’s degree, Freddie left Virginia to live in New York City for 40 years. He began his professional career in banking. Freddie was an extraordinarily gifted entrepreneur. He pursued his dream in 1992 and started Binding Products, Inc, a leading manufacturer, distributor, and provider of printing equipment, supplies and services for businesses throughout the U.S., with warehousing in the UK and China.

 Freddie’s greatest love and joy were his children! He encouraged and supported their interests in art and baseball and basketball and skating. He volunteered as a basketball coach and travelled with his son for travel baseball. He lovingly teased his daughter about her love for cats. Freddie was awed by his daughter’s artistic talent and was blown away by her grace in ice- skating performances. He loved cooking and boasted often about his cooking skills. Both Freddie and his son shared a love for the NY Yankees and as avid fans, attended many games together over the years. They all shared time and fun in Richmond, visiting every summer and enjoying white water rafting, fishing, horseback riding, go kart driving, indoor skydiving and amusement parks. Freddie built a successful life in New York and ensured that his children remained connected to their Virginia roots by visiting Richmond multiple times a year. Freddie Brooks lived a life on earth that was full of love. He pursued his passions and was a highly skilled, successful entrepreneur. The wisdom, knowledge and love that Freddie shared with all of us lives on in us. He grew a loving family. He filled our hearts! We rejoice that God continues to bless him in eternal realms. We miss you, Freddie. We love you, Freddie. We are thankful for your life. We are thankful that you live on in eternity! Tell everyone “across that river” that we say hello.

 Viewing, Friday, March 14, 2025, 11:00am, before the funeral services at ABYSINNIAN BAPTIST CHURCH, 12:00pm, 132 W 138th St, New York, NY 10030. Funeral service, Friday, March 14, 2025, 12:00pm, at ABYSINNIAN BAPTIST CHURCH, 132 W 138th St, New York, NY 10030.  Gravesite Committal, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 1:00PM, MOUNT CALVARY CEMETARY, Richmond, VA.

Online condolences are available at www.jenkinsjr.com.