Jerry Brinkley, Sr.

Elon ED BRINKLEY Jerry Edward "Ed" Brinkley, Sr, age 75 of 1522 NC 87 North, went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, September 18, 2009 after several months of failing health. The Clemson Flag on Hwy 87 North will be laid to rest. A native of Buncombe County, he was the son of the late Kermit and Gertrude Stanley Brinkley. He was retired from Burlington Industries as the dye house superintendent. He was a member of New Hope Baptist Church and also attended Trinity Worship Center. He was a volunteer with the Hospice League and IPTAY. Daddy was a loving husband, father and friend. Will Rogers said he never met a man he did not like. In Daddy's case, Daddy never met a man or woman who did not like him. He was a good hearted soul who was kind to everyone. Daddy's life exemplified the strong Christian upbringing he received from his parents. For anyone who knew Daddy, you know that his obituary would not be complete without mentioning Clemson! Daddy came from a poor family and would never have been able to attend college if it weren't for Clemson University. He received a full athletic scholarship from Frank Howard to play basketball at Clemson in the mid 1950's. As fate would have it, our mother worked at Clemson and that is where our parents met. The two oldest children remember living at Clemson as youngsters. Because of Clemson University Daddy got an education, which in turn opened opportunities for him that he would not have had otherwise. He was tremendously grateful for that. The Clemson Flag has hung at the road in front of our house for decades and some will remember the Chevy truck he used to drive: solid Orange with a big Purple Tiger Paw Momma painted on the hood! Momma and Daddy had a special love for Clemson and supported the University any way they could. The family wishes to thank all friends and family who have helped out with Daddy's care these past months, those who have sent cards, visited, and brought meals. Thanks to Hospice of Alamance & Caswell for their compassionate assistance. Survivors include his dear friend Lela Marks of Mebane; daughters, Teresa B. Merner and husband Don of Gibsonville, Kathie Brinkley of Elon and Patrice B. Neighbors and husband Wiley of Burlington; son, Jerry Edward "Eddie" Brinkley, Jr. and wife Jill of Burlington; brother, Philip Brinkley and wife Linda of Asheville; sister, Helen Brunette and husband Butch of Connelly Springs. step children Angela Marks Griffin and husband Doug and Jennifer Marks Rudd and husband Shawn all of Graham; grandchildren, Stephanie Welch of Burlington, Jimmy Welch of Colorado, Claire Brinkley of Burlington; step grandchildren, Rebecca Griffin, Clifton Griffin, Leah Rudd and Logan Ann Rudd; great grandchildren Shane Welch, Layla Wilson and J.W. Wrenn. He was preceded in death by his wives Barber Jean Penley Brinkley and Vicky Johnson Marks Brinkley; parents, Kermit "Ted" and Gertrude Stanley Brinkley; son, Michael Anthony Brinkley and brother, Clark Brinkley. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday September 26, 2009 at the New Hope Baptist Church by Rev. Randy Hobbs and Rev. Darrell Cox. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall of the church immediately following the service. Interment services will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday at Shallow Ford Christian Church cemetery.