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William Brinkley Obituary
Bill was born August 12, 1942 in Apex, North Carolina. After graduating from J.H. Rose High School and East Carolina University, both in Greenville, NC, Bill spent his entire adult life in New Bern. He was a founding partner of Brinkley, Elam and Knott, CPAs in New Bern. He practiced public accounting in New Bern for more than 40 years before his recent retirement.
He was active in a variety of civic activities, almost always taking on a leadership role in the organizations in which he participated. While at ECU, Bill was a founding member of the Kappa Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, later serving as its president. Bill's civic engagements included his beloved East Carolina University Pirate Club, which he served as its president in 1978; the New Bern Jaycees (former president); the Eastern Carolina Yacht Club (president, 1978); and the Noon Rotary Club of New Bern, where he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a member of Healing Grace Church in New Bern.
Bill is survived by his wife of 36 years, Elizabeth Allen Brinkley of New Bern; two sons: John William Allen Brinkley and wife, Christy, of Raleigh, NC, and James Drake Brinkley, also of Raleigh; two granddaughters of Raleigh, Alexis Christian Brinkley and Ashten Leann Brinkley who absolutely adored their "Big Daddy"; one brother, Robert Gentry Brinkley and wife Amy of Charlotte; brother-in-law Kenneth William Austin and wife, Kirt, of Greensboro, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews upon whom he so enjoyed bestowing his ever present sense of humor.
He was preceded in death by his parents William Earl Brinkley Sr. and Frances Lassiter Brinkley, formerly of Greenville, NC, and by sister, Julia Brinkley Austin, formerly of Greensboro.
A funeral service celebrating Bill's life will be held at Healing Grace Church, 3407 Red Fox Road in New Bern at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 1. Burial will follow the service in New Bern Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at Cotten Funeral Home, 2201 Neuse Blvd., in New Bern from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 30.
Bill's out-sized personality and love of life infected everyone he came in contact with. He was an enthusiastic and life-long fan of ECU sports. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ECU Pirate Club or to the charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be made to the Brinkley family at cottenfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by Cotten Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Brinkley
Bill and Sandra Baldree
October 4, 2010
Elizabeth, we want you to know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. God loves you and we love you.
Billy Whitford
October 3, 2010
I am saddened to hear of your loss. Bill's business knowledge was always helpful on the ABC Board. I have contacted him several times for advice and he was always helpful. We spoke just a week ago. It is hard for me to believe he is gone.
Respectfully,
Wanda McGinnis
October 2, 2010
My thoughts and prayers to the Brinkley family. I worked for years with Bill while my 18 years with Craven Pathology. May he rest in Peace!
Linda Harrell
October 1, 2010
Mr. Brinkley was at one time my employer at Brinkley Elam Knott. It was a pleasure knowing him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Sincerely, Linda Harrell
October 1, 2010
Dear Elizabeth, John and Drake, I am so sorry for your loss. I graduated with John and offer my sincere condolences to you all during this trying time. Gene Throwe (Washington, DC)
Toni Fuhrman
October 1, 2010
Elizabeth, John, and Drake,
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. You have our sincere sympathy.
Toni, Terry, and Tori
October 1, 2010
Please accept our most sincere sympathy. We were so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
Respectfully,
Curly & Ophelia Brazelton
September 30, 2010
DEAR ELIZABETH AND FAMILY,
PLEASE ACCEPT MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES ON BILL'S UNTIMELY PASSING. I ENJOYED KNOWING HIM OVER THE YEARS AND WILL MISS SEEING HIM AT THE KITCHEN ON THE TRENT COFFEE CLUB. WE ALWAYS HAD A FEW GOOD LAUGHS TOGETHER WITH ALL THE GUYS AND I WILL MISS SEEING HIM THERE. BILL WAS VERY PROUD OF YOU AND THE BOYS AND YOU COULD SEE THE SPARKLE IN HIS EYES WHEN HE MENTIONED HIS FAMILY. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF I CAN HELP YOUR FAMILY IN ANY WAY. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
RESPECTFULLY,
CHUCK TYSON
September 30, 2010
Bill's Father was my High School Coach and Principal in Whiteville. I was later a Principal in Greenville City School, where I served as His Brother Robert's Principal. I knew Bill only when he was a young child, but after readinf the obitiuary, I know that both Parents were proud of his accomplishments. My sincere sympathy to the family. John Jones
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