Murfreesboro lost a true treasure Friday (5/4/2018) morning, "movie-man" Bill Brooks lost his battle with cancer.

When a local hears the name Bill Brooks, they automatically smell fresh popcorn, or hear people laughing or screaming at a flick on the big screen at Premiere Six Theatre in Jackson Heights.

Bill started there as a kid in 1967, and up until recently--he owned the Premiere Six. It was his life. He loved the movie business and always wanted the best for local audiences. He made improvements in this city's only locally owned theatre. Bill was always tweaking and improving sound, picture and comfort for movie goers.

Former Sheriff and WGNS' Talk Host Truman Jones said, "He kept his sense of humor and love for this community up to the end. Bill was one of a kind, and had a big heart to help those in need."

Premiere Six Assistant Manager and Projectionist Stephanie Thomas emotionally recalled, "He gave me my first job. That was seven and a half years ago. With Bill, there was only one way--the right way! He was a perfectionist and I was blessed to learn from him. He was also a very gracious and caring person. He would give you the clothes off his back."

Shacklett's Photography's Gloria Christy recalled, "When my dad was alive, Bill was always around. He was soaking up everything about photography from my dad. He was part of the family, and will be greatly missed."

As we said, Bill Brooks truly loved this community. You could tell it in the way ran the Premiere Six Cinema. That love was also obvious in other areas of service offered by Bill. He volunteered for over 4-decades with the Fosterville Fire Department. In fact, up until his retirement--Bill was chief there.

So the next time you visit the Premiere Six and smell that buttery fresh popcorn--picture Bill with a broad smile, up in the projection booth making certain that everyone enjoyed themselves. THANK YOU BILL!

Arrangements

Murfreesboro Funeral Home at 145 Insbrooke Boulevard is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will be Monday (5/7/2018) from 4:00 to 8:00PM. Services will be at the funeral home on Tuesday (5/8/2018) at 2:00PM.

Obituary

William Byron Brooks age 64, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee passed away peacefully with his family by his side Friday, May 4, 2018. Born in Wichita Falls, Texas, and was a lifelong resident of Murfreesboro.

Preceded by his parents and brother: John Brooks.

He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Alice Brooks, children: John (Ashleigh) Carroll, Misty (Roger) Burnett, Todd (Karen) Campbell, 6 grandchildren, sister: Lynne Hill and several nieces and nephews.

Bill was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. He was a 1971 graduate of Central High School and studied engineering at Tennessee Tech.

Always involved in movie theaters from engineering and service all over the country to owning Premiere 6 theater for the last 17 years.

His love for his community didn't stop there. He was a volunteer fireman for over 40 years. A lifelong community involvement.

Visitation will be held Monday, May 7, 2018 from 4-8PM at Murfreesboro Funeral Home with the service to be Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 2:00PM. Pastor John Carroll will be officiating. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery.