Dr. Joseph F. Brooks, Jr.

Dr. Joseph F. Brooks died February 10th 2022 following an extended period of declining health.  He was born Aug 6th, 1933 in Ashe County to Joseph F Brooks and Rosa Shepard Brooks, the youngest of eleven siblings. He first learned to tend a garden, as a child, beside the banks of Big Horse Creek (Ashe county). He attended Lansing High school where he was quarterback of the football team, thus inspiring his love of watching ball games.

Dr. Brooks was a US veteran, serving in the Air Force during the Korean war. While serving, he married Barbara Fortner in 1956 which was the beginning of a 66 year long committed marriage.

Following his service, he pursued his education at NCSU(Raleigh) earning Bachelors of Science and Masters degrees in Horticultural Science, and a Doctorate in Education.  He served with the NC Extension service from 1959 – 1988.  During his career he authored over 40 publications dealing with Horticultural and Extension Education.  He traveled throughout the state educating and assisting farmers.  He was honored for outstanding service with numerous awards, both in agriculture and 4H.

He capped his career cultivating and tending a Pick–Your-Own berry farm in Efland, NC.  Following retirement, he established a scholarship fund for undergraduate students majoring in Agriculture at NCSU.

Dr. Brooks was a very spiritual man and bible scholar.  He taught Sunday School most of his adult life. (Macedonia Methodist-Raleigh, NC and Mt. Tabor Methodist- Winston Salem, NC) He loved studying and teaching the word of the Lord.

During his life he knew poverty, abundance, and most importantly, the love of God.

Dr. Brooks is survived by his wife, Barbara Brooks RN, children, Elizabeth Brooks Brown RN (Brian), Bonnie Brooks Bobbitt RN (Jeff), grandchildren Joseph S. Brown, Rebecca Brown Fann (RN), and Nicholas B. Bobbitt, and one great grandchild, Everly Grace Fann.

Funeral service will be held at Whitley’s Funeral home in Kannapolis with only close family members in attendance.

Memorials may be made to Hospice c/o 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.

May he happily tend the gardens of paradise.