A memorial service for John Williams Brooks Jr., 73, will be held on Monday, April 24, 2023, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home in Emory.
Mr. Brooks died on April 21, 2023, surrounded by his children. He was born on August 28, 1949, in Punxsutawney, PA to John William Brooks, Sr. and Henrietta (Long) Brooks. He was a graduate of Punxsutawney High School and a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he proudly served in the Vietnam War as crew chief of a Huey helicopter.
Mr. Brooks had many passions but his constant was aviation and his children fondly remember being taken to countless air shows, museums, and EAA’s Oshkosh. He enjoyed tinkering in the shop on one of his many airplane projects. His passions were often explored through his entrepreneurial spirit, whether it was learning and running his own printing company or being an independent owner operator truck driver. Bill was most passionate about family. He had a tradition of traveling back to Pennsylvania at least twice a year to visit his family. Although he wore many hats, his favorite job title was Gramps and he enjoyed spending time with the grandkids, usually involving afternoon naps and ice cream.
He faithfully attended Believers Baptist Church, where he was a current member. Following church, it was a guarantee there would be pizza for lunch.
Mr. Brooks is survived by son, Blake Brooks of Emory; daughters, Brittany Brooks of Grand Saline, Kristy Day and husband Bradley Day of Ashdown AR, and Amy Wiley and husband Dalton Wiley of Emory; grandchildren, Blake Brooks, Lucas Nelson, Will Wiley and Channing Day; sister, Millicent Burkett of Punxsutawney; brothers, James Brooks, Joel Brooks and wife Judy, and Dave Brooks and Cindy Seger, all of Rossiter.
He was preceded in death by son, John William Brooks III; brother, Randell Brooks; brother-in-law, Tom Burkett; and sister-in-law Kay Brooks.