FRANKLIN – Joseph Richman (Rich) Brooks, Jr. entered into eternal rest to join our Savior in Heaven on Dec. 19, 2020 at the age of 87. He was born in Bridgeton, New Jersey on June 28, 1933 to the late Joseph Richman and Bessie Abigail Brooks.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Mary Pauline (Polly) Rice Brooks and his brother Beach Smith Brooks.
He is survived by his three children: Joseph Richman Brooks, III (Sharon) of Franklin, Christina Brooks Hoeffner (Raymond) of Fort Pierce, Florida, and Kathryn Brooks Hyams (Jimmy) of Charleston, South Carolina.
Surviving him also are eleven grandchildren: Jacob Brooks (Misty), Elizabeth Padgett (Shawn), Jeremy Brooks (Kira), Cody Brooks (Lulu), Candace Wickham (Jay), Christina Floyd (Graham), Shari Orr (Brian), Adam Hoeffner, Clayton Hyams (Naomi), Amy Bearden (Hunter), Ashley Grace Hyams, and nine great-grandchildren: Kanisha Brooks, Ean Brooks, Kylie Brooks, Jonah Brooks, Nick Padgett, Tyler Padgett, Emma Wickham, Cole Wickham, and Grayson Floyd.
He was preceded in death by one great-granddaughter, Macy Tate Brooks. Rich also had many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was a veteran of the United States Navy and served during the Korean War. After serving his country, Rich went to trade school to become a barber. He owned and operated Rich’s Barber Shop in Port St. Lucie, Florida for 40 years. Upon retirement, he moved to the mountains with his beloved wife, Polly.
Rich was a devout husband, supportive father, and a loving grandfather. In his spare time, he enjoyed talking and telling tales to family and friends, fishing, gold mining, gardening, and wood carving.
Being of the Christian faith, Rich was ordained as a deacon and was a charter member at First Baptist Church of Port St. Lucie where he also served as a Sunday School teacher, on many committees, and sang in the choir. He continued to serve his Lord when moving to the mountains. Rich was a member at Windy Gap Baptist Church where he liked to sing in the church choir. Two of his favorite songs that he would sing frequently were “His Name is Wonderful’’ and “How Great Thou Art.”
A private burial service was held by his children and a memorial service will be held next summer in his honor.