John Tabor Brock

Published 9:13 am Tuesday, December 31, 2024

John Tabor Brock, born on May 30, 1928, in Mocksville, passed away peacefully on Dec. 29, 2024, joining his beloved wife, Mary Frances Brock, who preceded him in 2021. He lived independently until the very end, fulfilling his wish to remain self-reliant.
John was educated in Davie County schools and attended UNC-Chapel Hill, graduating with an LLB/JD. He served in the United States Army between 1950 and 1952. After being licensed to practice law in 1954, he pursued further education in philosophy and political science. In 1957, he married Mary Frances, and they were blessed with three children: Jennifer, Martin, and Robin.
Together, John and Mary raised a loving family and were married for 64 years. He was a devoted husband, caring for Mary during her illness for nine years.
John was a proud grandfather to Erik, Kristen, Alana, and Alan, and a great-grandfather to Michael and Emmett. His family was the joy of his life.
John had a distinguished career, serving as County Attorney for Davie County, a prosecuting attorney, and a judge. He also appeared before the United States Supreme Court in a case involving Davie County and other North Carolina counties and cities.
After retiring from active practice in 2000, John remained active in his community, serving on several boards and writing poetry and many philosophical essays on morality and law. Most of these essays were published in 2005 in “Essays on Forging a New Moral Synthesis”.
He is survived by: his children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and one brother, William “Wee” Laurie Brock. John will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his service to his community, and his unwavering principles. He is now reunited with his beloved wife, which brings comfort to those he leaves behind.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Jan. 3 at Lambert Funeral Chapel with Rev. Rick Carter officiating. The family invites friends to visit with them at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. A graveside service will follow in Farmington Community Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Davie Community Foundation, P.O. Box 546, Mocksville, NC 27028; Memo: B.C. and Laura Brock.
Think Me Not Dead but Laughing
by John Brock
Think me not dead but laughing
When last I steal away;
My smile touching your eyes
As dawn caresses day.
Drape me not with shrouds
Of pale and somber weave
But cover me with roses
Red, and streaked autumn leaves.
Then let me lay beneath a window
With life lingering nye,
Opened wide, in the distance
A brilliant evening sky.
As prior the dusk sunset
sprinkles about my head
A moist of blazing colors
Think me smiling – not dead.
Online condolences: www.lambertfuneralhomenc.com.