Mitchell "Mitch" Odell Brooks

On April 5, 2023 Mitchell Odell Brooks (Mitch) of Friendsville, TN passed away at the age of 63. He was reunited with his best dog “Griffith” who was waiting for him at the Rainbow Bridge as Griffith had just recently crossed over.

Mitch met his wife Kathy in 1993 and they were married in 1999. Over the years they built a beautiful life together and loved making their home, WaterBrook, a welcoming place to spend time with friends and family. Mitch liked nothing more than sitting on his deck with a “cold beer”, listening to music (quite possibly a Jimmy Buffet playlist) and watching the boats on the lake as he tended to whatever he was smoking on his Big Green Egg. He truly loved the simple pleasures in life. His yard was always  immaculate and he spent hours landscaping and adding outdoor lighting to achieve the perfect effect. Mitch loved technology, and he enjoyed researching and installing the latest systems for their home. Creating the perfect ambiance for each occasion was very important to him.

Mitch was extremely creative and put his all into everything he did. Whatever new interest or hobby he adopted, he pursued it with passion. In addition to his landscaping talents, he also became an excellent cook. Whether he was smoking meat, baking bread or cookies, or creating wonderful dishes to serve his friends and family, you could be guaranteed all would be delicious.

Mitch will be remembered for his great sense of humor, quick wit and genuine smile. Friends loved his welcoming and accepting nature. You could always count on Mitch to bring the perfect bottle of wine (or just a cooler of beer - with a couple missing when he arrived!).  He was always ready to meet his brother Gary to play pool at various places in Knoxville or to challenge him to a game of cornhole at WaterBrook. He was also an avid sports fan and loved his Atlanta Braves and Tennessee Volunteers. If there wasn’t a game on, he might be hanging out on his dock or taking Kathy out on the boat for dinner or to meet up with friends.

A Graphic Designer by trade, Mitch worked for several different companies in the Knoxville area during his career, at times wearing multiple hats. He retired from the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center in 2015.

Mitch was the son of the late Jack O. Brooks and Gail W. Brooks, the brother of the late Andy Brooks and brother-in-law of the late Mara Brooks. He is survived by his wife Kathy and their pup Oliver; brothers David of Knoxville and Gary (Sandi) of Indianapolis; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ron and Patty Fike of Webster, NY; and many nieces and nephews. He leaves behind many special friends, in particular his best friend Jeff Salyers whose love and support never wavered during Mitch’s battle with cancer.

The family would like to thank the staffs at the University of Tennessee Medical Center Cancer Institute and University Palliative Care for their compassion, concern and care. Particular thanks goes to Dr. David Aljadir, Mitch’s Oncologist. Mitch would not have been on this earth as long as he was if it wasn’t for his care.

A “Celebration of Mitch’s Life” will be on Sunday, June 18, 2023 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM at Smithview Pavilion, 601 Smithview Drive, Maryville, TN  37803.

Mitch was a dedicated volunteer for Smoky Mountain AniMeals, a program of Smoky Mountain Meals On Wheels. AniMeals provides and delivers dog and cat food to program participants.  Memorial donations in Mitch’s name may be made to AniMeals, 3509 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37803 or online at blountcaa.org/donate/