William Nelson Brooks, 84, of Shelby, NC, passed away on March 26, 2026. He was the son of the late William Everette Brooks and Mertice Bridges Brooks of Shelby, NC, and brother of the late Nancy Brooks Smith and Lorene Brooks Yelton.


Nelson is survived by his wife, Cynthia Harms Brooks, of 54 years; his sister, Gail Brooks Canipe, and husband Charles of Shelby, NC; daughter, Julie Brooks Barbour, and husband Chad of Sault Sainte Marie, MI; son, Brian Matthew Brooks, and wife Karen of Havertown, PA; and daughter Amy Brooks Cogdall and husband Alex of Lebanon, TN. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Eleanor Barbour, Maya Brooks, Asher Brooks, and Cash Cogdall.


He was a graduate of Lattimore High School, where he played basketball and baseball, and was a member of FFA, among other extracurricular activities. He attended Appalachian State University where he received a Bachelor of Science. He then went on to attend the University of Virginia to earn a Masters of Science in Biology. A teacher at Shelby High School for 30 years, he taught Biology, Chemistry, and Human Physiology, as well as Driver's Education. He also was the advisor for the Key Club and a fan of the Shelby Lions, not to mention NCAA basketball.


Nelson was a self-taught watercolor artist. His subjects were the rural farmland of the western Piedmont where he grew up and the various wildlife of that area. He cherished his children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews, and spent time crafting rocking horses, dollhouses, and wooden toys for them. After retirement, he renovated his family's farmhouse, as well as spending his time landscaping, gardening, and porch sitting. He and his wife, Cindy, loved traveling across the country as well as relaxing at their vacation home in Sapphire, NC.


A service will be held at The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Shelby, NC on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Immediately after the service, there will be a fellowship gathering in the fellowship hall. Memorials may be made to The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 502 W. Sumter Street, Shelby, NC 28150 or to Hope's Chest Animal Rescue, 1042 Sam Lattimore Road, Shelby, NC 28152.

Online condolences can be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family.