John Cleveland Brooks

Mr. John Cleveland (J.C.) Brooks, 79, of Yadkinville passed away unexpectedly Monday, June 9, 2014, at Iredell Memorial Hospital. J.C. was born February 20, 1935 in Yadkin County to Joseph and Era Speaks Brooks. J.C. graduated from Boonville School and his earliest jobs included Jim's Grill and Clinard Equipment. He owned and operated a dairy farm (Brooks Meadow Farm) with the help of his son, Tim until1998 when the pastures became home to beef cattle. In the early years they teamed with Jack and Wiley Shore helping each other harvest crops and managing their farms. Upon receiving a draft notification from the army, J.C. wanted to "get it over with," so he and a friend drove to Charlotte for their physicals. However, both were rejected; J.C., for being too flat-footed. J.C. served on the Board of Directors at Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation from 12-19-79 until his passing. He also served as the Co-op Treasurer for several years. His role with Surry-Yadkin became more of a passion for the community it served and its' employees, rather than a 'position' on the board. He loved the people of Surry-Yadkin, as they were truly like extended family. After retiring from milking cows, he turned his love for hunting into a full-time hobby, becoming a licensed hunting preserve (Lakeview Hunting Preserve). He and Tim raised quail, pigeons, bird and rabbit dogs - not to mention providing kenneling for friends whenever needed. The hunting preserve quickly prompted a daily stream of avid hunters, hunter-wanna-be's, sport dog enthusiasts, and outdoorsmen who liked to sit around and share hunting tales. The weather usually dictated where they would gather - inside the 'bak-ker' barn, outside in the cool of the shade in the swing, or in the fields running/training their dogs. In 1969, as life happens while we're making other plans, J.C.'s wife, Glenda and the children were involved in a tragic accident that left Glenda with permanent amnesia until her death May 22, 2006. Throughout the years, J.C. maintained patience and support to care and provide for her and his family. J.C. was a humble, caring, compassionate and forgiving man. He believed one's word was sufficient and that everyone should do the right thing, because it was the right thing to do. He would occasionally say he was by no means perfect, had made many mistakes and he played the hand dealt him as best he could. He was blessed with an abundance of friends - many very close ones. For the past five years, he looked forward to his birthday party where friends from all over would come and celebrate with him. He would say, "his friends were his biggest and best asset - that's where he was the richest." Many thanks to each and every one of them who supported, helped, prayed, laughed, walked and chatted with him over the years. This is what kept him going. In addition to his parents, J.C. was preceded in death by his wife, Glenda Abbott Brooks; and a brother, Eugene Brooks. He is survived by two children, Tim Brooks and Patricia (Brian) Hill; four grandchildren, Ashley (Daniel) Hardison, Jonathan Williams (Savannah), Brandon Hill (Shaska), and Brandon Brooks; one great-grandchild, Addison Hill; three sisters, Mary (Fred) Sparks, Marjorie Gregory, and Martha (Tommy) Vestal. He had numerous nieces and nephews as well as many who looked to him as a father-figure. A funeral service will be held to celebrate his life on Friday, June 13, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Gentry Funeral Service Chapel in Yadkinville. Burial will follow at Deep Creek Friends Meeting. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Gentry Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, P.O. Box 1267, Yadkinville, NC 27055. He was forever grateful for the services they provided the family at the time of Glenda's death. Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Brooks family.