Obituary of Richard Allen Brooks

Richard Allen Brooks, age 70, of Murfreesboro, TN, passed away unexpectantly on Saturday, February 17, 2024, joining his beloved Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his favorite NASCAR driver, Dale Earnhardt Sr. Born on November 19, 1953, in Lawrenceburg, TN, Richard was the son of the late Charles Roscoe Brooks and Patsy Creel Brooks. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jennie McBee Brooks. Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Connie Marie Brooks; daughters Christie (Matt) Taylor of Christiana, TN, and Dae (Keith Welborn) Carney of Ellisville, MS; grandsons Michael Cox, Mason Cox, Braxxton Taylor, and Sean Carney; as well as cousins George “Butch” (Bonnie) Brooks, Carl (Lynn) Brooks, and Ed (Jannie) Brooks, all of Mt. Pleasant TN, and numerous other cherished family members. Richard graduated from Garinger High School in Charlotte, NC, in June of 1973. Throughout his career, he worked for Orkin and Honor Guard Pest Control companies, sharing his extensive knowledge of bugs with his customers and enjoying meaningful interactions with them. A devout member of Fellowship United Methodist Church, Richard's faith in Jesus Christ was profound. He served diligently in various capacities, including preparing and serving coffee each Sunday morning, participating in the Men Being Men small group, attending the monthly Men’s Breakfast, and serving on the Trustee’s Committee. Richard's passion for car racing, particularly NASCAR, was unmatched. He eagerly anticipated each new racing season and amassed an impressive collection of over 600 model cars, including every die-cast model race car driven to victory by Dale Earnhardt Sr. In marriage, it was agreed that Connie would join him for NASCAR races and TV broadcasts, while he reciprocated by watching UT Football games. Among his favorite cars were the canary yellow or candy apple red '72 Nova SS and '72 Monte Carlo. A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 1:00 pm at Fellowship United Methodist Church, located at 2511 New Salem Highway, Murfreesboro, TN 37128. Richard will be laid to rest between his parents at Polk Memorial Gardens, 6465 Trotwood Avenue, Columbia, TN 38401. Instead of floral tributes, the family kindly asks for donations to be made to Fellowship United Methodist Church, either to the Sunday Morning Coffee Fund or FC Cares Ministry.