John William “Billy” Brooking, of Mathews, died Jan. 30, 2013 at Riverside Convalescent Center Mathews at the age of 74.

Billy was a native of Mathews, son of the late Hathel and Ruth Raines Brooking. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard and retired from Mid-Atlantic Coca-Cola Company as a route salesman after 23-plus years. Billy was a member of Central United Methodist Church and a member of the American Legion Post 83.

He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees. His wit, humor and laughter were an invaluable part of his life and we will miss him always.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Mary Rose Brooking, and his parents.

He is survived by son, Marty Broaddus and wife Nancy; grandchildren, Fallon Nicole Broaddus and Stephen Blaine Callis, and great-grandchild, Micah Channing Schurlknight.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Central United Methodist Church with the Rev. Suzanne Gibson officiating. Interment followed in Windsor Gardens Cemetery. The family received friends Friday from 7-8:30 p.m. at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point.

In Billy’s memory, contributions may be made to Mathews Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 1130, Mathews, Va. 23109 or Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 723, Mathews, Va. 23109.