John William Brooks

John William Brooks, 78, of Chattanooga passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026.

Born in Petersburg, Virginia, he moved to Bayside, New York as a child.

John was an only child with no family and at the age of 17 joined the US Navy.

After receiving his GED John continued his military duty serving in the Vietnam War, the Philippines, San Diego and the Pentagon. After 13 years of active duty he fulfilled his life dream of attending Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, VR on the GI bill and graduated with a BS degree.

John then joined the Navy Reserves and served for 14 additional years retiring as a Chief Petty Officer.

His career in accounting began at Southern States Cooperative after which he became CFO of a small startup programming firm, and finally, the AFL-CIO housing investment trust in Washington, DC

He met Ellyn, the love of his life, and they were inseparable for 33 years.

Together, they traveled the world.

He loved theater, movies, music, especially the CSO and The Beatles.

He volunteered with Ellyn at Erlanger Hospital, Ronald McDonald family room and friends of special children.

After retirement, he moved from North Potomac, MD, to Murphy, NC and then to Chattanooga which for the past 18 years have been blissfully perfect.

John is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Ellyn Brooks; brother in law, Richard Hersh; niece, Dana (Donnie) Keeter, great-nephews, Zac and Justin (Katie) Tamburo.

Graveside services will be held Thursday, February 26th at 10:30 am in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Daniel Anderson speaking. Pallbearers will be Justin Tamburo. Brandon Murphy, Daniel Anderson, Rob Majors, Donnie Keeter, and Terry Rogers.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association or American Parkinson Disease Association.

You may share condolences with the family at www.heritagechattanooga.com

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 25th from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.