Joel Hilton

Brooks

Joel Hilton Brooks, known to family and friends simply as Joe, passed away on November 11, 2026, in Savannah, Georgia, at the age of 82. He was born on September 5, 1944, in Dublin, Georgia, and lived a life marked by faith, hard work, devotion to family, and a deep love for the outdoors. Joe was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend whose presence will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Joe was the son of the late Leroy Brooks Sr. and Ruth Merrill Brooks. He was also preceded in death by his siblings Betty Self, Helen Rogers, Eugene Brooks, Richard Brooks, David Brooks, Jerry Brooks, and Leroy Brooks, Jr. He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Kathy Smith Brooks of Dublin, who shared with him a lifetime of love and companionship. He also leaves behind his children, Jody Brooks and his wife Diane, James Lamb and his wife Tiffany, and Josey Harrelson and her husband Dustin. His memory will continue to live on through his grandchildren, Kristen Wren and her husband Corey, Ryleigh Brown, Lexi Lamb, and Nolan Lamb, as well as his great-grandchild, Maeli Rose Wren. He is also survived by his brother, Leon Brooks and his wife Margie, along with several nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.

In his working years, Joe was employed at JP Stevens early in life before dedicating himself to farming. He later retired as a farmer, a role that suited his hardworking nature and deep connection to the land. He took pride in an honest day’s work and carried that same steady determination throughout his life. Those who knew him remember him as dependable, hardworking, and devoted to the life he built for his family. Joe was a Christian and a member of Bethesda Baptist Church. Joe was a tell it like it is man, no sugar coating!

Joe was an avid outdoorsman who especially loved hunting, with raccoon and hog hunting among his favorite pursuits. He lived to be able to go hunting! Joe enjoyed telling hunting stories. He was also a devoted Atlanta Braves fan and enjoyed following the team through the years. One of his greatest joys was watching his grandchildren play sports, and he treasured every opportunity to cheer them on. Above all, he loved spending time with his family, and those moments brought him the greatest happiness. He will be remembered most for his loving nature and the lasting example he set through his faith, his work, and his devotion to those he loved.

Kevin Spires, Ryan Brooks, Tripp Neal, Jacob Brooks, Matt Dimmen, and John Sellers will serve as pallbearers. Ray Adcock and Greg Brooks will serve as Honorary Escorts.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00PM Sunday, November, 15, 2026 at Bethesda Baptist Church, Rev. Michael Brooks and Rev. Barron Powell will officiate. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00 PM until service time at the Church. Burial will follow in Bethesda Baptist Church Cemetery.