Kathy & Doug, Sorry this is late. I just saw this while looking at my Mothers condolences. I knew Brooks & Linda through my husband, Jack. He did work for them at Mid South Color labs. Kathy, you babysat for our children too! Your family was always so wonderful to ours. We were blessed to know all of you & have you included in ours. Sending much love & hugs to you. It’s so hard to lose them. 
Linda Lodes

Dear Family Members and team at Midsouth Color Labs,

We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Clayton. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.

Mr. Clayton was not only a valued business partner but also a truly remarkable person. His integrity, warmth, and professionalism left a lasting impression on all of us. Working with him was always a pleasure, and his contributions made a meaningful difference in our shared endeavors.

Please know that our thoughts are with your team, and Mr. Clayton's family.  He will be greatly missed, both personally and professionally.

With deepest sympathy,

Patrick Fuller and the team at Larson Juhl

Brooks was the best of the best!! He was to me at times, a customer, a boss, a friend but always an inspiration!!! I learned so much about how to treat people and that hard work pays off from him. Brooks and Linda both welcomed me into their home on numerous occasions and treated me like family.  I will never forgot their gracious hospitality.  I love you, Brooks!

I had the privilege of working for Brooks for 16 years.

He was such a wonderful Christian man.
Kathy & Doug, he loved you & your Mom dearly.
And, we all loved him.💙

It’s taken me a week to get my thoughts organized after hearing about the passing of Brooks Clayton. After all, what can you say about a giant of this industry that hasn’t already been said by the masses. He was one of the most respected people I ever knew. I’ve been able to work with, learn from and spend time with countless legendary photographers and educators in my 45 years as a professional image maker. Brooks belongs named with the list of these greats. His leadership guided a smaller lab into the talk of the profession for almost 50 years, a difficult task in this age.

He was a true southern gentleman in every pour of his soul, you could feel his passion, his faith and honesty in every word. He didn’t lead with fear, but gentleness and kindness. When he spoke, people listened, because you knew that something profound was about to be uncovered in the short time he spoke. Brooks’s great gift was he listened to every word you spoke. He believed that there was more to people if you took the backseat to the conversation. He believed in integrity, faith, and honesty, traits that sometimes gets lost in our current climate. These lessons I will never forget.

There wasn’t anyone that had a bad word spoken about Brooks. He treated everyone with dignity and great respect. He taught me so much in the time we had together, my heart aches to the depths of my very soul at his passing. His knowledge of the profession was awe-inspiring, and it didn’t matter if you worked with the lab or not to get insight into his knowledge base. It’s a testament to who he was as a man.

As with other legends of the industry, there will be a very large hole to fill with his passing, all we can do is remember the times we had with him knowing that someday we will, hopefully, be able to join him in the kingdom of heaven where he and Linda are entertaining the masses with their unique blend of charm and the southern way.

Rest in peace Brooks, you have certainly earned your place in heaven!

I am so sorry to hear of Brook's passing.  I was one of his customers and one of his friends.  Brooks sent me Christmas Tree Ornaments every year for a long time, and my family and I still enjoy them.  In the past several years, he made a donation to St Jude in my name which is unreal.  I even recorded some Children's TV shows for me, because we did not receive those shows in my area.  He always enjoyed the Mardi Gras King Cakes I sent to him from New Orleans every  year, and he never failed to call me personally and thank me.  Brooks truly treated people the way we all want to be treated.  I hope his family reads this message and learns something about Brooks they did not know.  He will always be my friend, and I will always miss him.  Kevin Hawkins

So very sad to hear of Brooks’ passing. He was a true southern gentleman who always acted with kindness and honestly. He personally helped me with orders at his company, even though I know he had much more pressing concerns. He was never to busy to  consult or assist me. He showed such concern for his clients and built such a wonderful company. My condolences to his family, who I’m sure will miss him greatly.

Dear Doug and Kathy,

Having read your dad's deeply moving obituary, it's easy to see how well-loved he was throughout his life. We are so grateful to have come to know him well at your family functions over the years.

He had an unchanging pleasantness about him and was such a charming, sweet, and kind man. We will miss his gentle spirit and big smile for a long time.

Brooks. You were my mentor. My great friend. An example of how to be the best human possible. 
I wish for one more day to remind you how awesome you are.  
Michael

I was so saddened to hear of Brook's passing.  When I was a small girl, I attended Trinity Methodist Church on Chester Street in Jackson. Linda and Brooks would take me home from church for lunch and to visit because they didn't have any children at that time and she always wanted a little girl. Much later in life I would visit Linda at their home. Although I was closer to Linda, I felt like I knew Brooks just through Linda. Prayers for their children and grandchildren. Losing a parent is the hardest. I truly miss Linda and I know that she is reunited now with Brooks.

My company has been a client of Mid-South Color Labs for 30 years and it was a true pleasure knowing Brooks all that time. His warmth and professionalism made him stand out among all other business contacts I've worked with. When I sent a job to Brooks, I never had to worry about it. He was a joy to work with and while he's no longer with us, we have many fond memories  of  him. I am saddened by his passing and will keep his family and co-workers in my prayers.

Please accept my sincere condolences. It was a true honor and pleasure to have known Brooks, who became a dear friend during the early days of my portrait studio journey.

I am deeply saddened by his passing, yet profoundly grateful to have met such a beautiful soul—a true gentleman whose kindness, warmth, and presence left a lasting impression. Brooks will be greatly missed, and his memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.

With heartfelt sympathy,
Monica Hurtado Photography
Monica Hurtado

I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the Clayton family.  Brooks was the epitome of a gentleman, and he will be deeply missed.  It is a great loss to all who knew him.  I was so fortunate to have Brooks and Midsouth as my "partner" in my business, as the quality he gave me was the silent partner for my own artwork.   His dedication to beautiful printing is showcased in homes across this country and beyond.  He was one of a kind.
I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers!
Audrey Wancket

Kathy and Doug,
    You had the best man ever for a Dad. Whatever I learned about how to treat people,I learned from him. He helped so many people that nobody ever knew about. He was a true Christian example. I feel forever grateful to have known him. Prayers for you all and the Mid- South Color Lab family that loved him so much. Heaven is richer since he arrived!

OBITUARY

Brooks Clayton

March 27, 1943 – October 7, 2025

George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home

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