Johnny Brooks

Colonel (Ret.) Johnny Wayne Brooks, age 77, passed away peacefully on September 18th, 2025. 

Memorial services will be held 3:00 PM Friday, September 26, 2025 in the chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. 

He spent the last 25 years as a resident of Phenix City, AL. Johnny was born on September 9th, 1948, at Ft. Lee, VA. He was preceded in death by his parents, LTC (Ret.) John Brooks and Dean Brooks (Roddy). As the son of an Army officer, Johnny moved frequently. He ultimately graduated from Whitehaven HS in Memphis, TN. Following high school graduation, Johnny enlisted in the U.S. Army and quickly earned an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Commissioned as an Infantry officer, Johnny progressed through the ranks with great success and speed. Some of the highlights of his career included command of 4-17 Infantry Battalion where he deployed to Panama as part of Operation Just Cause, Exchange Officer to the British 1st Parachute Regiment, Brigade Commander of the Infantry Training Brigade at Fort Benning, and Chief of Staff of the 82nd Airborne Division. Johnny was born to be a Soldier and a Leader.

 He is survived by his loving wife, Christine; his children, Heather (Tim) and Matthew (Libby); grandchildren: Caitlyn (Ryan), Hannah, Harrison, Nicholas, Hudson, and Jacob; great-grandchildren, Logan and Eliza; his sisters Sandy Green (Bob) and Barbara Hooper (Wayne), and a multitude of nieces and nephews. Son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, loyal and stalwart friend to many…WARRIOR and LEADER describe him! 

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Tunnels2Towers or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Tunnels to Towers Foundation 2361 Hyman Boulevard Staten Island, NY 10306 St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude’s Place Memphis, TN 38105.