John T. Brinkley

1931 - 2015

John Trotman ""Trotsie"" Brinkley, 84, passed into his Saviour's arms on November 6, 2015, following a brief illness. He was born in Portsmouth, VA, on July 9, 1931, to the late Genevieve Harrell Brinkley and Staley Butler Brinkley, Sr.

John was a 1950 graduate of Maury High School and attended Old Dominion University after serving four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was awarded the Air Force Good Conduct and National Defense Service Medals. He was a 57 year member of the Masonic fraternity; having been raised as a Master Mason in May 1958 in Corinthian Lodge No. 266 in Norfolk. He was later exalted as a Royal Arch Mason in Norfolk United Royal Arch Chapter No. 1 in Norfolk.

During his career, John was a Sales Representative with Norfolk Welders Supply Company from 1968 until his retirement in 2000. He later acquired his real estate license and worked part-time as a Sales Representative for the Impera Commercial and Land Company. He was a member and Elder of Eastminster Presbyterian Church.

John is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Shirley McLean Brinkley; four sons, M. Kent Brinkley (Carol) of Williamsburg, Gregory S. Brinkley of Virginia Beach, J. Brad Brinkley (Brenda) of Virginia Beach and Troy A. Brinkley (Lisa) of Norfolk; nine wonderful grandchildren, Lauren Singor, Erin Brinkley, Michael Brinkley, Shaun Brinkley and Ryan Brinkley, all of Virginia Beach, Alexander Brinkley, Grayson Brinkley, Meghan Brinkley and Landon Brinkley, all of Norfolk; sister, Miriam B. Mandrell of Arnold, MD and Ocean City, MD and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends and family from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3229 McDonald Road, Virginia Beach on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015, with a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 1:30 p.m., followed by enterment at Rosewood Memorial Park Mausoleum on Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, VA. Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Indian River Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com