Lionel A. Brooks, 79, of Franklin, died on Saturday, May 8, 2021 after a period of declining health.

Born in Jackson County, NC, he was the son of the late Isaac "Red" and Macie Best Brooks. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Cameron Brooks. Lionel served in the United States Army and was a member of the Jarrett Memorial Baptist Church in Dillsboro.

Lionel was a true athlete and lived his whole life loving sports. As a young man he played for Sylva High School before going on to play Basketball, Football, and Baseball at Gardner Webb. After graduating Gardner Webb, he went on to receive his master's degree from Western Carolina. Lionel started coaching as an assistant football coach for Sylva Webster in the fall of 1971 and continued until 1989. In 1990, he became the head coach and continued until 1996. During these times, he also helped to coach baseball and golf. Lionel officiated basketball for thirty years and returned to coaching in 2001, before retiring from Pisgah in 2005. He could remember plays, players, scores and even what yard and down certain games were determined by. He loved the game and mentored so many young people over the years.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda Merritt Brooks; and three sons, Joe Brooks, Josh Brooks (Bekah) and Jay Brooks (Amber) all of Franklin. Also surviving are his five grandchildren, Bristol, Oakley, Baylor, Rigley, and Welker; and sister-in-law, Wanda Merritt of Myrtle Beach, SC.

A Celebration of Life will be at Prentiss Church on Wednesday, May 12, at 1pm. Rev. Kevin Chapman will officiate.

The family will receive friends at Macon Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 11, from 4pm to 7pm.

The family request outside plants that can be planted in Lionel's memory.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.