Claiborne County, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – Claiborne County leaders are mourning the loss of Mayor Joe Brooks while also preparing for questions surrounding the county’s leadership and upcoming election.
Brooks, 56, died Saturday following a motorcycle crash on Highway 33 in Union County. The longtime public servant, farmer and Navy veteran had served as Claiborne County mayor since 2018 and was actively seeking re-election when he died.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol said Brooks was riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle northbound on Highway 33 when he failed to negotiate a curve. Investigators said the motorcycle struck a guardrail before coming to rest in the roadway. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
The crash remains under investigation.
Community Mourns a Familiar Leader
In the days following Brooks’ death, residents have left white ribbons, flowers and wreaths at the Claiborne County Courthouse in his honor.
Neighbor Cody Thompson said Brooks’ impact extended beyond county government.
“I think it makes a big impact on a small community because he was the mayor, but he knew a lot of people on a personal level,” Thompson said.
Thompson described Brooks as a leader who remained focused on improving opportunities for local residents and businesses.
“He really pushed to see growth for Claiborne County and the state as a whole, but he really wanted to see people in Claiborne County do good and the best that they could,” Thompson said.
Interim Mayor Appointed
Under county procedures, Claiborne County Commission Chairman Mike Campbell is serving as interim mayor until the Aug. 6 election.
Campbell said he and Brooks shared a longstanding friendship and a common goal of serving the county.
“We’ve known each other a long time,” Campbell said. “He’s a good person, and he had the county in his heart to do the best for the county.”
In a written statement, Campbell called Brooks a leader whose life was rooted in faith, family and service.
“Mayor Joe Brooks was more than just our mayor. He was a neighbor, a friend, a farmer, and a leader whose heart was rooted in faith, family, and the citizens of this community,” Campbell said.
What Happens in the Election?
One of the largest unanswered questions involves the upcoming election.
Officials say Brooks’ name will remain on the Aug. 6 ballot. At the time of his death, he was running for re-election against two opponents.
If another candidate receives the most votes, that candidate would assume office under normal election procedures.
However, if Brooks wins the election despite his death, county officials say the process of filling the resulting vacancy would be determined through the county attorney and applicable Tennessee laws governing vacant elected offices.
That possibility creates a unique situation for Claiborne County voters as election day approaches.
Funeral Arrangements Announced
Family and community members will have several opportunities to pay their respects.
Visitation
Thursday, July 30
- 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Claiborne High School
- 815 Davis Drive, New Tazewell
Funeral Service
Thursday, July 30
- 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Claiborne High School
Committal Service
Friday, July 31
- Noon to 1 p.m.
- Joseph Brooks Cemetery
- 2458 Cave Springs Road, Tazewell
Candlelight Vigil
Friday, July 31
- 7:30 p.m.
- Steps of the Claiborne County Courthouse
- 1740 Main Street, Tazewell
As Claiborne County prepares to honor Brooks’ life and legacy, residents also face important decisions about the county’s future leadership in the weeks ahead.
