The sun rose for William Morrison Brooke, 86 of Hixson, TN, on January 23, 1940, and his sun set on Friday, March 20, 2026. He was born in Mansfield, OH, to the late Eric and Anne Morrison Brooke.

William earned his Bachelor's degree in education in 1962 from Bowling Green State University and his Master's degree from Emporia State University. He spent 30 years teaching high school biology. William was extremely happy to have been retired more years than he worked. One of his greatest passions included traveling, and he traveled to 52 countries and all 50 states. In his 50 years of RVing, he visited most of our National Parks. William dedicated a lot of his time to his family, making so many wonderful memories to cherish for years to come. He had other interests, as well, such as reading books (especially history), playing games, and working on all types of puzzles. William was a member of Burks United Methodist Church in Hixson, TN.

Other than William's parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Tom Digby.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Barbara Brooke; daughters Natalie (Todd) Speakman, Karen (Steve) Dean, and Kim (Doug) Grewe; grandchildren Amanda (Jason) Rice, Christopher (Barbara) Speakman, Courtney Dean, Erik (Ellie) Angus, Jared (Chelsea) Dean, and Kirsten (Elliot) Angus; great-grandchildren, Luke Rice and Oliver Angus; and his sister, Sheila Digby.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the National Park Foundation. Their website is: https://www.nationalparks.org

The family will receive friends from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Burks United Methodist Church, 6433 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN 37343, followed by the Celebration of Life Service at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. Amanda Dean officiating.

A reception will immediately follow the service in the Fellowship Hall.

Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN 37343, (423) 531-3975.