Johnny A. Brooks

Johnny A. Brooks, age 91, of Oak Ridge, passed away on March 9, 2026.

Born and raised on his family’s farm near Ewing, Virginia, Johnny graduated from Thomas Walker High School, where he lettered in baseball for three years. In 1953 he moved to Oak Ridge and began his career in the electrician apprentice program at K-25. It was there he met Margaret McGill at the Snow White; the two married and shared 63 loving years together until her death in 2019.

He served in the United States Air Force from 1956 to 1960. After his military service, Johnny worked as a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and later for Boeing. A longtime member of Robertsville Baptist Church, he was also a passionate motorsports enthusiast. He began drag racing in the early 1960s at local tracks such as Hariman and Maryville, once winning 19 consecutive weeks. Around 1970 he transitioned to dirt track racing at Atomic Speedway and other nearby venues, where he not only drove but built every car himself. After retiring from driving, he continued as a dedicated crew member, traveling for several years with Anthony White to races across multiple states. Johnny also enjoyed riding dirt bikes and tackling hill climbs in the strip pits of Windrock Mountain, never backing down from a challenging slope. He took great pride in maintaining his 1977 Ford truck, which drew frequent compliments from friends and strangers alike.

Above all, Johnny cherished his family and his faithful cat Rusty. He delighted in spending time with his grandchildren and great-granddaughter, whether at Putt-Putt courses, go-kart tracks, or Cedar Hills Park. His quick wit, sense of humor, and original sayings will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret McGill Brooks; his parents, John H. Brooks and Easter Ayers Brooks; and his sisters, Ruth Brooks McIntosh and Ellen Brooks Queener.

Johnny is survived by his daughter, Barbara Conger and her husband Greg; his son, Johnny Brooks; grandchildren Jessica Brooks and Eric Conger; great-granddaughter Carley Brooks; sister-in-law Jeanne Marshburn; and special friends Anthony and Stephanie White.