Joe Howard Brookshire

Canton- During the quiet peaceful evening hours of Sunday, April 16, 2023 our community lost a man who was greatly respected, a man who was loyal and always honored his word, and a man who devoted his life to his family. Joe Howard Brookshire, age 91, departed this life for his journey into his eternal Heavenly home.
He was born May 27, 1931 in Haywood County to the late Gudger W. Brookshire and the late Stella Miller Brookshire. A true self-made man, Joe was always proud to call Canton his hometown and had resided here all of his life. His working career began in the 1940's when he started assisting his dad in the plumbing and heating business. Joe became a licensed plumbing and heating contractor in the 1960's and together he and his brother, Kenny were co-owners of Brookshire Plumbing until the 1990's. Joe was truly devoted to his work and providing for his family. He faithfully served his community by answering service calls at anytime –day or night. Joe and Brookshire Plumbing played a major role in the construction of numerous projects throughout Western North Carolina. Joe's work can be found in public schools, nursing homes, medical offices, hospitals, local businesses, churches, and so many private homes that one could not even imagine. Mr. Brookshire's community and civic service for over 70 years was an example for each of us to follow. He was a member of the North Carolina National Guard where he honorably served his country. Joe's involvement with Boy Scout Troop 316 during the 1970's and 1980's was a true inspiration to the scouts and the camping trips were wonderful memories cherished forever. He was also a member of Pigeon River Masonic Lodge #386 A.F. & A.M. It seemed as if Joe was never idle, he simply had to be busy doing something. Two major projects that he worked tirelessly on accomplishing were restoring a 1930 Model A and also building a backhoe- and Joe certainly did it! He was blessed with a multitude of friendships all throughout his lifetime and during his later years- mornings spent at Bojangles with his friends and joking with employees were fun and happy times for Joe. He was even recognized by having a breakfast platter named in his honor, "The Joe Platter." In remembering Joe, we recall his delightful quirky, dry sense of humor and his caring spirit. He was a friend to everyone and anyone he met would feel as if they had known him for years. He was a man of strong faith and a dedicated member of Canton First United Methodist Church. Joe loved his family deeply and the special time that he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren that he adored were precious memories. When Joe Brookshire's name is mentioned there will always be personal stories of his kindness and his giving heart that have helped so many in our community. In his memory reach out and help someone in need or perform a random act of kindness. Joe would be pleased.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Betty Hipps Brookshire who passed away in 2014 and also his brother, Kenny Brookshire.
Surviving are his daughters, Donna Brookshire of Canton, and Becky Trantham and Sam of Canton; grandchildren, Karen Mather of Canton, Pamela Floyd of Canton, Matt Reid of Greensboro, Katie Ballard and Jason of Zirconia, and EmilyJackman and Cory of Canton; great-grandchildren, Will, Cainan, Triston, Haylee, Hunter (Bethany), and Finley; great-great-grandchildren, Chloe and Carter; several nieces and a good friend, Hubert Lee.
A funeral service with military honors to celebrate the life of Mr. Brookshire will be held at 3:00 pm Friday, April 21, 2023 in the chapel of Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service. The Reverend Gordon Pike and Reverend Clay Morgan will be officiating. The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will be in Crawford / Ray Memorial Gardens in Clyde.
Memorials may be made in his memory to Canton First United Methodist Church, 29 Newfound Street, Canton, NC 28716 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38106.
Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is honored to be caring for the Brookshire family.