John Carl Brookshire (“D-Daddy”), 75, of Hendersonville unexpectedly passed away on Friday night, October 22, 2021.
A lifelong native of Henderson County, John was the son of the late Henry Simington Brookshire and Ruby Brown Brookshire. He graduated from Hendersonville High School and went on to Brevard College, Wake Forest University and Western Carolina University. For over fifty years, John was the owner and President of textile manufacturing companies, Old Orchard Incorporated and FIMIA Incorporated.
John devoted his life to his family. He could often be seen in athletic stadiums and bleachers supporting his children and grandchildren. He cherished their time together and regularly planned family vacations to strengthen their bonds.
As a multi-generational native of Hendersonville, John was a caring contributor to the community. He was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Hendersonville. John was also a member of the Kiwanis Club of Hendersonville and served on advisory boards for Brevard College, the Town of Laurel Park and Mainstay/Safelight.
Left to cherish John’s memory are his wife of fifty-three years, Betty Kay; daughters – Robyn Brookshire of Hendersonville, and Beth Manuel of Fletcher and her husband, Luke; sons – Kevin Brookshire of Chesapeake, VA and his wife, Christine, and Robert Brookshire of Waxhaw, NC and his wife, Marli. John leaves behind his seven beloved grandchildren – Truitt and Sawyer Manuel, Ruby and Henry Brookshire, Jaden Evans, Willa and Violet Brookshire; and a sister, Barbara Dempsey of Wilmington, NC.
John was preceded in death by his parents and son, Carl Brookshire.
A drive-thru visitation will be held from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home of Hendersonville. The family respectfully asks that those who attend please stay inside your vehicles and take directions from Forest Lawn staff.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to ask that donations be made to the Henderson County Education Foundation – 414 4th Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28739. Memorial gifts can be given online at: hcefnc.org/donate with “In Memory of John Brookshire” in the Comment Section.
John was a business associate for many years! We never met but I felt like i had known him my whole life! He was the nicest man ever! We talked so much about how much he loved his family! He was my favorite customer of all time! Prayers lifted for his wonderful family! I am so sorry for you loss!
Betty Kay and family, I was so sad to hear about John’s passing. I want to let you know what a difference you all made in my life. Growing up in the same church our lives were intertwined. My fondest memories were when you both would take the youth to Atlanta to go Christmas shopping. I didn’t leave town much and it was so special to go to a big city and ride the subway. I had a difficult time as a teenager but you both made me feel like I belonged and mattered so I want to thank you for that. To John’s children, it was a joy to be around you and I valued the trust your parents placed in me to care for you as a sitter. You were such fun to spend time with and it was clear how loved you are by both your parents. I particularly remember how I used to let you stay up past bed time and then you would race off to bed when they pulled into the drive. You read that right BK, the kids and I had so much fun we didn’t want it to end 😉 . You are all in my heart and I wish you peace. Love, Sonia
A very fine man! It was obvious how much he loved his wife and kiddos! I have no words to many this easier just know how proud of each of you he was ,he’s watching down from Heaven over each of you! Prayers and hugs for all of the family!
A very fine man, and it was obvious that the loved his wife and children so very much. They’re no words that will ease this families pain, just know he loved all of you and will be watching down from Heaven over you! PRAYERS!
Betty Kay and Family,
Our hearts go out to you and We will keep you and your family in our prayers through this difficult time. I first met John over 20 years ago during a cross country meet at Brevard College. His daughter Beth and I had become fast friends and I’ll never forget how loud he would cheer for all of the XC team members. (I could always hear him way before I could see him!) Simple words can’t express what that meant to me, as it was the support I needed at that time in my life, being a college kid away from home. Sometimes coach would let us ride back to campus with our family after meets, and since my family was out of state John and Betty Kay would fill the role of “mom and dad” and drive Beth and I back to the dorms. John always made sure I had plenty of food to eat and that I got back safely. (I always enjoyed those car rides, as I could literally feel the positive energy and love that emanated from both John and Betty Kay)
Those simple acts of kindness, encouragement and support left an impression on me that I carry with me to this day. I am so thankful to have known John during my time at Brevard, to have felt his love of family, life,and a genuine love for people and the Lord. He was an amazing person, father and a true man of god. While my time at Brevard was brief in comparison to how much time has passed since,I will forever be great full and thankful for those loud “Let’s go Melissa!” Cheers, and the many small acts of kindness in between….
I had the great honor of getting to know Mr. Brookshire coaching his granddaughter. He had a tremendous passion for life, family and local student athletes. He loved to talk and I loved to listen. We never once had a conversation that he did not share his wisdom or encouragement. A great man who will be missed. My sincere condolences to all of his family.
“JCB” was one of the best humans I’ve ever known. He was an important block in the foundation of who I am as a person. Kind, caring, compassionate…there are so many words to describe him, but the one that stands out the most to me is grounded. He was grounded in his faith, grounded in his family, and grounded in his community. Rest in peace JCB. Your legacy lives on through those whose lives you touched.
John Brookshire was my 1st cousin.
8 years my senior I looked at him as one of my heroes. Our families shared so many sweet memories together. A very good man. We are saddened by his passing but the peace he is experiencing now is beyond our comprehension. See you again cuz !
I knew John throughout grammar, high school and at Brevard College. I remember he helped his grandparents at Brown’s Store on Main Street. He was one of the kindest people I ever met. Peace and blessings to you and your entire family.
John and I were teammates on the BPOE Elks Club basketball team in the late 1950s and early 1960s along with David Starnes, Carroll Maxwell, Kenny Shipman, Edgar Robinson, Jim Kilpatrick (“Killer”), Hall Waddell, Mike Blake, Waddy Stokes, Clint Fletcher, Tommy Blankenship and others. Our coach was Hilliard Blankenship. We all grew up a lot in those days of going down to the eastern part of the state to play other Elks teams under somewhat cramped conditions. But, I wouldn’t trade those days for anything. Those experiences built character and a sense of comradery. John and I both had parents who were educators at Rosa Edwards and Hendersonville High School. We shared a special bond there, too. I will always cherish those days playing basketball for the Elks and the lifetime memories and friendships which endure to this very day, some sixty years later. My deepest sympathy to John’s family and many friends. So long my friend. You made a difference! Gerry Huntley, gerryh1947@yahoo.com