Johnny William Westbrook Jr.
Pink Hill
Johnny William Westbrook Jr. (“Junior”), 77, passed away on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at his home after courageously but kindly battling Alzheimer’s disease. He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Edcille Westbrook; sister, Polly Westbrook Odom and brother-in-law, Lem Odom.
Junior is survived by his wife of 57 years, Linda Westbrook; daughter, Kim Westbrook Strach and husband, Phil; sisters, Shirley Jones and husband, Joe Clay and Ruby Howard and husband James; sister-in-law Norma Guy and husband Henry; grandchildren, Hannah Strach, Sophie Westbrook Strach and Zoe Strach. He loved far beyond his immediate family which included many nieces, nephews, cousins and one Earth remaining aunt.
Junior grew up in a loving family with his parents and three sisters who he loved and adored. He was a member of the Pink Hill Presbyterian Church and a veteran of the United States Army. After high school, he worked at a local plumbing and heating business owned by his Dad and a family friend. He developed a love for that trade, which became his life’s profession. He loved his customers and wanted them to feel like their problems were his problems. He continued to get calls from former customers wanting him to do the work for them he always had done years after he was unable to answer their calls. Even in his final days he talked about needing to once again answer those customer calls and do the work that had fulfilled him for so many wonderful years.
His work was important to him but never for one day was it more important than his family and friends. He was loving, patient and the kindest husband, father, grandfather and friend. Alzheimer’s disease stole many of the skills and personality traits that had defined him his entire life, but it never stole his kind and compassionate heart and soul which he displayed daily to everyone around him through his very last day on this Earth.
He and his family are so grateful for the wonderful friends that supported him and his family during these last challenging years. There are so many friends and family that called daily or weekly for the entire duration of his illness. Despite his memory failing him, his friends and family never failed to stop by to visit, bring him his favorite treats and call to check on his wife, who faithfully and lovingly cared for him every day. Those close to him knew his love for walking and he especially enjoyed walking with his wife Linda, Penny Murphy and his “grand dogs” daily. He also continued to love spending time at the beach with his family.
Junior loved his home and his family wanted him to remain there throughout his illness, which was only possible with the love and support of his incredible neighbors, the compassionate Hospice nurses, church family from both his lifelong Pink Hill Presbyterian Church and its neighbor, Pink Hill United Methodist Church, longtime high school friends, former employees and former coworkers of his wife.
His family is especially and eternally grateful for his loving caregiver, Debbie Wilson, who treated him with kindness and respect. Wonderful neighbors Mary Ann and Ted Byrd and dear friends, Pam and Ronnie Taylor, were extensions of his home by attending to every need they assessed needed attending.
Memorial contributions to Community Hospice or Pink Hill Presbyterian Church are appreciated.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Pink Hill.
Online condolences may be sent to www.pinkhillfuneralhome.com
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