Roderick Lewis Brinkley

Roderick Lewis Brinkley, 78, transitioned from Earth to Eternity on October 29, 2025, at his home in Madisonville. Kentucky. He was known by those he held dear and encountered as Rod, Brink, or Brinkley. Brinkley was born on September 21, 1947, to the late Dorothy Lee Washington and Samuel Lewis Brinkley in Madisonville, KY. 

He attended Branch Street School and Rosenwald High School. In his teens, he relocated to Chicago, Illinois, and graduated from South Shore High School in Chicago. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served in Germany and later, with pride, actively served in the Vietnam War for two tours. Brinkley had the honor of serving his country with deep pride for two consecutive tours, and even in his final days, he continued to uphold that honor & memories of service.

After being discharged, he relocated to Los Angeles, CA, accompanied by his family, and attended Los Angeles Community College. It is there that he met the love of his life. Sounderl Mechil Davis, whom he later married on June 14, 1975. It is to this union 3 children were born, sons Roderick and Trevin Brinkley and daughter Shyronn Brinkley. Brinkley worked for Western Electric in Los Angeles and Pierce Community College on Woodland Hills, CA. Upon moving back to Madisonville, he became a Bridge and Road Inspector for the Kentucky Department of Highways and Transportation.

Roderick had a deep love for playing Basketball, which he played for his entire high school years. He loved and adored his children and was able to spoil and enjoy all four of his grandchildren. He was passionate about taking his morning walks & sitting on his porch, reading the paper and listening to his wide selection of oldies. Brinkley was a straightforward man who sincerely believed that his word was his bond, and he kept his promises. He never pretended to be a perfect man but acknowledged and accounted for any wrongdoings. He moved forward, persevering in life's journeys with the love and encouragement of friends and family.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sounderl Mechil Davis, three children, Roderick Edward Brinkley, Trevin Lewis Brinkley, and Shyronn Dicole Brinkley. Four grandchildren that he adored. Elijah Jaden Brinkley, Zie'l Lanae & Zien Lewis Brinkley and Uriah Hakeem Brinkley. He was preceded in death by his parents and other siblings. Brinkley leaves to cherish Deborah Brinkley(sister)of Long Beach, California and Samantha Brinkley(sister)of Los Angeles & other siblings as well. His two nieces Keysha and Leah, nephew Ryan, Rich, and Demetrius out of California. Two sisters in laws Kazon Renay Davis and Yvonne Davis Carter of Los Angeles, California.