Bearl Brooks

Bearl Brooks, 93 of Jonesboro died Sunday, November 10, 2019 at St. Bernard’s Regional Medical Center.  He had lived in Jonesboro for the past two years, moving here from Florida.  Bearl served his country during WWII in the US Navy, serving in Japan.  He played for the Kitty League in 1954, playing for Hopkinsville, where he won the Batting Title with a .386 average, edging out the great New York Yankee Shortstop, Tony Kubek.  He also had 10 home runs that year. In 1955 he played in the Sally League (South Atlantic) and hit a .312 average with a .394 slugging percentage playing for Savannah. He played a total of 6 years in the minor leagues with 5 of those years being second base and one year at shortstop. Bearl was the principal at West School Elementary in the 1950s. He also owned Funland Amusement Park in Craighead Forrest Park. He founded ESP Publishing Company in 1969 which is still in operation today.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his twin sister, Pearl Williams; sisters, Mae Davenport and Faye Matthews; brothers, Ardell Brooks, Adolph Brooks, and Carl Brooks.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Loretta Brooks, of the home; sons, Derek Brooks and Dan Brooks, both of Germantown, Tennessee; and a host of friends and other relatives.

Graveside services will be 2:00 Thursday, November 14, 2019 at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery with Brother Johnny Hutchison officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.  Pallbearers will be family and friends. Visitation will be from 12:00 until 1:30.

For lasting memorials please consider the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, 1148 E. Matthews, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401.  To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.