Edwin Luke Brinker

On a late stormy Wednesday evening Edwin L. Brinker "Eddie" had decided his race was now complete on earth. Everything was on his terms, which he accomplished a lot in his 88 years on earth and defeated all odds. He was born on "ABE" day Feb. 12, 1936, in Washington D.C. to the late Luke and Margaret Brinker.
After graduating from St. Anthony HS in Washington D.C. He joined the Navy for four years as a dental technician. He then attended Howard University and Howard University Dental School. He completed his education with a double major in Chemistry and Biology and a Minor in Physics. He also supported his high school St. Anthony by continuing to support scholarships and attending all of his high school reunions, his 65th reunion was his last.
He worked for Upjohn Pharmaceutical, which is now Pfizer, for many years before getting transferred to the Hampton Roads Area. After 20 years he left Pharmaceutical Sales, he enlisted in the Nuclear Naval Program at NNSY and retiring after 22 years as a Senior Radiologist Nuclear Inspector. He continued to work as an inspector for FEMA traveling to all the natural disasters including Katrina. He did not completely retire until the age of 82.
Ed enjoyed pouring his extra time in coaching all of his children from Camelot football, Deep Creek Recreational Basketball and Softball. He never missed a game and would always make his work schedule work around his children's activities. He continued to coach in the Deep Creek area after his kids graduated. At the age of 80 years old he decided he would coach his grandson Sammy in basketball. Father and daughter made a great team. He loved spending time with all of his grandchildren. He continued to instill valuable life lessons in his children from real estate, investing, parenting, coaching and our basketball officiating careers. His proudest moment was both seeing his son and daughter accomplish their goal of officiating at the NCAA Division 1 level in basketball, attending any games he could.
Ed leaves to cherish his memory his son, Erik (Shannon) and daughter, Deborah (Sam); and his beautiful grandchildren, Sammy, Luke and Kennedy. Ed was preceded in death by his oldest son, E. Douglas Brinker and the love of his life of over 60 years, Mary S. Brinker
The family would like to invite anyone who was touched by Ed's personality either by coaching in Deep Creek, line dancing, the pharmaceutical world, tennis friends, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard associates, or just being an extra dad to his children's friends.
A Celebration of Life Reception will be held June 13, 2024, at 5:30 at Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake, VA 23320.
We ask everyone to come casual and if possible, wear either one of his favorite colors blue or purple. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.grahamfuneralhome.com