Carl Brooks Zinn Jr.

Fort Ashby, WV-

Carl Brooks Zinn, Jr., 99, of Fort Ashby, passed away peacefully, at his daughter's home, on August 17, 2025.

Born December 4, 1925, in Terra Alta, WV, he was the son of the late Carl B. Zinn, Sr. and Virginia White. He was also preceded in death by his sister and brother, Ruth Trego and Jimmy Zinn, his son, Wayne Zinn and his great granddaughter, Britney Griner.

At the age of 14, Carl began delivering newspapers in Washington, DC. When he was 17, he enlisted into the U.S. Coast Guard, where he proudly served in the "Battle of the Atlantic," during WWII. Later, he retired from the B&O Railroad and was the owner of many businesses, including the restaurant, "The Oystermans Inn," a garage "Alrite Auto Service," and a fishing charter, "The Dolly D," to name a few. Friends and family often called him, "Skip."

Carl had many hobbies, including fishing, riding his Harley Davidson and singing. His love for music was evident, as he was the lead singer of the band, "The Country Rhythm Boys." His passion for music was passed down to his son Greg, who played alongside him as a drummer, as well as his son Jonathan, who is a singer and musician.

Locally, he was known as a painter/carpenter. He was the oldest living member of Post #6667, V.F.W. and had belonged to Trinity United Methodist Church. His favorite sports teams were the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Capitals and the Washington Redskins.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia; children, Carla Middleton-Rigger, Gregory Zinn Sr (Sharon), Crystal Zinn-Stacy (Cliff), Jonathan Zinn, and Melissa Alt (Billy); grandchildren, David Middleton, Alisa Knapik, John Fetchero (Melissa), Kayla Zinn, Thomas Zinn, Gina Zinn, Stephanie Setley (Tony), Gregory Zinn Jr., Hannah Zinn, Autumn Stacy, J.C. Stacy, Jordan Zinn, Arhianna Mallery, Marlee Alt, Carlie Alt, and Carter Alt; several loving great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Friends will be received at Springfield Assembly of God on Sunday from 2-4 PM. A service to celebrate the life of Carl will follow at 4 PM, with Pastor Ric Llewellen, officiating.

Interment will be in Maryland State Veterans Cemetery at Rocky Gap on Monday at 11 AM. Military honors will be accorded by Post #13 Veterans Honor Guard.Pallbearers will include: Gregory Zinn Sr, Gregory Zinn Jr, Jonathan Zinn, Jordan Zinn, David Middleton, John Fetchero, J.C Stacy and Billy Alt.