Clifford Brookshire

"Coach" Cliff Brookshire, 88, of Pisgah Forest, passed away peacefully at his home with his wife Nancy by his side on the afternoon of April 9, 2017. A Buncombe County native, Cliff was the son of the late William Arthur and Augusta Henson Brookshire. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Patsy Garrison, and brothers Wilburn and Earl Brookshire.

Coach enjoyed spending time with his family and friends camping, fishing, travelling, telling jokes and stories and keeping both his shoes and his cars shined. He also enjoyed attending English Chapel United Methodist Church where he was a member.

Coach Brookshire graduated from Sand Hill High School where he was named "Outstanding Player" in the first annual Optimist Bowl. After high school, he played football for Asheville-Biltmore College before playing for the U.S. Army football team while stationed at Fort Jackson, SC. In 1955 he graduated from Wake Forest College where he played football as a proud Demon Deacon.

After college his 16 year teaching and coaching career included Canton, Owen, Brevard, Tuscola, and Enka High Schools. While at Brevard, Coach Brookshire led North Carolina's first integrated high school football team to a state championship in 1963. He also led Brevard to state championships in 1960 and 1962. In 2003, he was inducted into the North Carolina High School Athletic Association's Hall of Fame. What meant the most to Coach Brookshire was the relationships he built with his players, many of whom became life-long friends.

After his teaching and coaching career, Cliff spent 20 years in Transylvania County real estate, establishing Brookshire Realty.

In 1952 he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Gaston, who survives him. He is also survived by his daughters, Becky Brookshire (Grover DeHart) of Marshall, Cindy Davidson (Wayne) of Randleman and son, Jeff Brookshire (Dawn) of Pisgah Forest. His grandchildren are Jeremy Brookshire (Kathleen), Eric Schneider (Katie), Daniel Brookshire (Kristen), Laura Brookshire, Kyle Schneider, Nancy Davidson Bullard (Seth), Kallen DeHart, and Sarah DeHart. Two great- grandchildren are Dylan and Maggie Brookshire.

A celebration of his life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 23, 2017 at First United Methodist Church of Brevard with Rev. Mike Holder and Rev. Lauren Sims-Salata officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children - Office of Development Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr. Tampa, FL 33607.

To leave a condolence for the family, please visit "obituaries" at www.moore-fh.com .
Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is caring for the family.