John Allen Taylor Brooks

He was a farmer and retired from State Highway Department

Taylor was a member of Christ United Methodist Church.

He was a veteran of World War II, having served in Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He received the EAME ribbon with four bronze stars, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Purple Heart.

He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post #1990, having served on the VFW Honor Guard, helping with military funerals for more than 60 years.

He was also a lifetime member of DAV and a member of Greeneville Moose Lodge #692.

He loved his family, God, his country, children, gardening, and animals. He was happiest when working in his vegetable garden and just tinkering outside.

Taylor is survived by his wife of 63 years: Louise Shepherd Brooks; daughter and son-in-law, with whom he made his home: Lou Arnez and John Rhea of Greeneville; his only granddaughter: Brooke Rhea, who was the pride and joy of his life; two special nieces and two special nephews and spouses, who thought of him as the father they never had: Revonda and Roy Johnson, Patricia Mathes, Jimmy Dean and Emma Coffey, Bobby Coffey; niece and spouse: Sharon and Gene Jennings; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

He was the son of the late Robert Brooks and Lura Price Brooks and was preceded in death by a brother, Edward Brooks; two sisters: Lena Coffey Sauceman, and Kate Susong.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 22, 2010, in Kiser-Rose Hill Chapel with Rev. Ginger Isom officiating.

Interment will follow in Andrew Johnson National Cemetery.

His pallbearers are Jimmy Dean Coffey, Bobby Coffey, Roy Johnson, Allen Johnson, Randy Johnson, Dennie Mathes, and Steve Mathes.

Memorials may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, 307 South Main Street, Greeneville, TN 37743.

A military graveside service will be conducted by the Greene County Honor Guard.