John Brinson

John Lee "Joe" Brinson, 92, of Carolina Beach, North Carolina, passed away on March 5, 2025.

Joe was born on March 2, 1933, in Pulaski County, Kentucky, to Robert and Lenora Brinson. He was the eighth of eleven children. On December 26, 1954, he married Dana Kay Hudson, and together they raised their two daughters, Rhonda and Lorna, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

With the birth of his first grandchild, Joe became known as "Popadoo." He often said that while there were many grandfathers in the world, there was only one Popadoo.

Joe was a man of great dedication and hard work. He took immense pride in his garden, tending to each row by hand with care and patience. The land behind his home flourished under his attention and became the backdrop for cherished family memories-picking corn straight from the stalk, shucking it on the porch, preparing it in the kitchen, and gathering around the table to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

In February 2021, Joe moved to Carolina Beach to live with his daughter Lorna. He embraced coastal life wholeheartedly, spending his days boating, clamming, birdwatching, enjoying fresh oysters, and relaxing on "Popadoo's Porch." For the first time in his life, his farmer's tan transformed into a full-body tan. He made friends wherever he went and was dearly loved by his beach community.

Joe was predeceased by his wife, Dana Brinson (née Hudson); his parents; sisters Alice and Faye; and brothers Raymond, Ollie, Albert, Wallace, James, Howard, Roy, and Glen.

He is survived by his daughters Rhonda (Dave) Hiltbrand and Lorna (Jimmy) Schley; grandchildren Renée (Tim) Glynn, Julie (Aaron) Taylor, and Jonathan Hiltbrand; great-grandchildren Abby Baughan, Delaney Glynn, Avery Taylor, Jonah Hiltbrand, Levi Hiltbrand, and Silas Hiltbrand; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

A celebration of life will be held on March 20-the first day of spring-at The Building in Loveland, Ohio (116 N. Karl Brown Way). The family invites guests to an open house from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Lovis Foundation. The Lovis Foundation honors the life of a charismatic, faith-driven uniter of hearts named Logan Brinson. Logan's joyous spirit had a positive impact on everyone he met. The Foundation's mission to spread joy continues his legacy by promoting charitable initiatives that celebrate individuality and encourage others to shine.