Col. Brookshire

BROOKSHIRE, Col. John, age 79 of Gainesville, formerly of Tampa died Monday, November 15, 2010. Col. Brookshire was a highly decorated war veteran having served during the Korean War and several tours during Vietnam. He rose from the rank of private to colonel during his service and was on the general's list before health issues forced his retirement in 1977. He was the recipient of the Silver Star, six purple hearts and was inducted into the Green Beret Hall of Fame in Oklahoma. Survivors include his beloved wife of 37 years, Dolores, sons and daughters-in-law, William & Glenda Brookshire of Greensville, NC, and Thomas & Renee Brookshire of Orangeburg, SC, daughter and son-in-law, Johnna & John Shelley of Fayetteville, NC, step-son and his wife, Craig & Grace Newman of Tampa and step-daughters, Helene Newman of Gainesville and Roni-Tam Newman of Brandon and 13 grandchildren. Graveside services will be held today (Wednesday), 2:00 PM at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Road, Gainesville, FL. 32606