Robert Vernon Brookshire

Robert Vernon Brookshire, 90, of Calhoun died suddenly at his home on Friday, May 16, 2008. He was born in Calhoun on April 2, 1918, son of Robert Earl Brookshire and Nellie Lou (Blalock) Brookshire. Vernon was a World war II Veteran. He served in the United States Army from Jan. 16, 1941 to Sept. 11, 1945 and he distinguished himself in combat across Europe as Reconnaissance NCO of Company B of the 609th Tank Destroyer Battalion. Vernon was employed for over 40 years in the Echota Cotton Mill and he was Plant Engineer from 1963 to 1983. He was active in Echota Baptist Church for 30 years. He was a talented, prolific historical writer—biblical, military and local—and an impressive speaker. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Frances Brown Brookshire, and by his brother Lester Eugene Brookshire Sr. Survivors include his daughter, F. Drucilla Brookshire of Columbia, S.C.; an uncle and aunt Horace and Allie Blalock of Lilburn; sister- and brother-in-law Martha (Brown) and John T. Ragland of Chattanooga, Tenn.; nephew and niece Lester and Wanda Brookshire Jr. of Rome; nephew and niece Ron and Jane Brown of Three Forks, Mont.; niece and nephew Patricia (Brown) and Bobbie Compton of Rome; niece and nephew Brenda (Brown) and Terry Waller of Stone Mountain; great niece and nephew Agnes (Brookshire) and Daniel Bevels, and their daughters Emily and Elizabeth, all of Rome; and his special friends Heidi and Ernest W. Neal, and Nancy E. Watkins. Funeral services will be conducted Sunday May 18th at 3pm at the Calhoun First Baptist Church. With Dr. Bert Vaughn officiating. Musicians Billy DuBose and Barry Bryant in charge of music. Pallbearers serving include, Stanley Carver, Ken Hensley, Tommy Reeves, Michael Langston, Ernie Neal, and Bill Mathews. The family request that in lieu flowers contributions be made to the Gordon County Library or the charity of your choice. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 5 until 7pm. You may sign the online register book or send private condolences to the family at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com Thomas Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral arrangements for Mr. Robert Vernon Brookshire.