Sharpsburg -

John Carroll Brinkley, age 82, concluded his earthly journey on Monday, June 9, 2025 after enduring a nearly decade long battle with Alzheimer's and Interstitial Lung Disease. He faithfully served his Savior Jesus Christ by being a loving husband, father, uncle, and brother.

John was born at home in Corapeake, NC (Gates County) on June 16, 1942. He was the youngest of five children born to Channan Parrish Brinkley and Eunice Brinkley. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Joyce Hope White (Forrest), Mary Belle Perry (Bill), Nell Ann Ward, C.P. Brinkley Jr. (Hyla); nephew, Channan Brinkley III; wife, Anita Brinkley, and former wife, Carol Warrington Brinkley.

John grew up in Corapeake, working on the family farm. He was so needed there that he ended up having to cease pursuing his high school education. What he lacked in formal education was overshadowed by his many talents for mechanical repairs, and for creating inventive problem-solving gadgets and devices for family, friends and co-workers. If it was broken, he could fix it! He was employed by Burlington Industries as a shop machinist for many years before retiring in the late 1990's.

After retiring, he could be found cruising the fast lane in his prized '65 Mustang or zooming around town on his Harley Davidson Sportster or Soft Tail. When not on wheels, he was working out or landscaping his yard (or someone else's)! He had a passion for helping his fellow man, and thus volunteered with church groups to build handicap ramps for those in need, and often helped fill food bank boxes for local distribution. In his not-so spare time, he was always willing to help his daughter, niece, or cousin with their ever expanding "honey-do" lists. However, on Sundays, he could always be found at church (most recently Harvest Baptist Church in Rocky Mount). He participated in Sunday school classes, Bible studies, choir, or in any other activity where he could lend a helping hand.

Left behind to cherish loving memories are his daughter, Janelle Brinkley; nieces, Mabel Howell, Brenda Toppin (E.C.), Jeanie Pearce (Kyle), Faye Babb, Vonda Chappell, Julia Talton (John), Kathy Outland (Kevin) and nephew, Bill Perry (Rev. Sue); brother-in-law, Fred Ward; close friend, Linda Howell; Anita's nieces and nephew, Barbara, Nancy, Claudia, and Danny; many cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews and his beloved feline companions, Kissy Mae, Milo, and Cooper.

Many heartfelt and sincere thanks to his dedicated caregivers in his final days: Angie Daniel, Laura Morris, Tammy Leonard, Deb Leonard, Brenda Short, Natachia Whitaker, Rochelle Wooten; good friend and neighbor, Bruce Wayne; and Hospice of Wilson for their kindness, compassion and comfort care, especially Pastor Mike Willard, social worker, Kelly Lassiter and nurse, Jessica Williams.

A service will be at 2:00pm on Friday, June 13, 2025 at Harvest Baptist Church, 2325 Old Mill Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27803. Burial will follow at Mill Branch Cemetery, S Halifax Road, Rocky Mount, NC. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to PurrFect Hearts Cat Rescue, PO Box 3047, Wilson, NC  27895.