Joseph Azel Brookshire

Joseph Azel Brookshire, age 84, of Randleman died Monday, December 30, 2013 at Randolph Hospice House, Asheboro. Mr. Brookshire was born January 17, 1929 the son of Cletus Reece and Willie Louise Millikan Brookshire. Joe was a native of Randolph County. He began his career in baseball in 1947-1951 when he played for UNC Chapel Hill, then from 1951-1953 he played semi- pro baseball in Mooresville. He then taught and coached baseball for Randleman High School until 1978. After retirement, Randleman High School named the field "Brookshire Field" in his honor. Joe then went to work at the Randleman Post Office until 1984. Mr. Brookshire was a active member in his church, First United Methodist Church of Randleman which he held positions of being an usher, working with the youth group and member of the United Methodist Men. In addition to his parents, Joe is preceded in death by his infant son, Joseph William Brookshire; infant granddaughter, Wendelin Jo Richardson; brothers, Robert and Tommy Brookshire. He is survived by his wife: Peggy Yow Brookshire of the home; daughter: Karen Richardson and her husband Gary of Sophia; grandchildren, Brent Richardson and his wife Betsy of Sophia, Kelly Vuncannon of Asheboro, Amanda Pennington and her husband Eric of Randleman; great grandchildren, Keylin and Reychell Gamboa, Madeline and David Richardson, Eva Vuncannon, Ella and Berkley Pennington. The family will receive friends Friday, January 3, 2014 from 12:00-1:30 pm at Pugh Funeral Home, 600 South Main Street, Randleman, NC. The funeral service will be held Friday, January 3, 2014 at 2:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, 301 S. Main St., Randleman with Dr. Dana Bunn and Rev. Kyle Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at Randolph Memorial Park, Asheboro. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 301 S. Main St., Randleman, NC 27317 or Hospice Of Randolph, P.O. Box 9, Asheboro, NC 27204-0009. Online condolences may be made at pughfuneralhome.com.