Benjamin F. Brinkley died March 11, 2019. He was born on February 5, 1928 In Sturgis KY to the late HL and Willie Mae Brinkley. He was preceded in death by brothers JR and Coleman, sister Louise Shelton and granddaughter Amy Narvical. Ben is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 73 years, Velma Dempsey Brinkley and their three children, Suzanne and Johnny Mac Simpson of Morganfield KY, Barry and Denise Brinkley and Lana and Kenny Quinton of Sturgis KY, six grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. No doubt Ben’s wife Velma and their family were a singular source of great joy and pride.
Ben grew up in Webster County in the Blackford community on the family farm. He graduated from Wheatcoft High School in 1946. Ben and Velma were married the same day they graduated from high school. This began an amazing 73 years together. Ben worked for 10 years for Illinois Central Railroad, numerous coal mining jobs, and retired as Maintenance Superintendent at Island Creek Coal Company. During this time, he also served as Sturgis City Judge and later Union County Trial Commissioner.
Ben would consider his greatest honor to have served and worshipped his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a member of the Sturgis Cumberland Presbyterian Church since 1952. Ben served in many ways including singing in the choir until his passing. In 1989 he acted as general contractor to oversee the building of the new 300 seat sanctuary. He was the right person for this project using his sharp mind and strong will to complete on time and on budget a wonderful house of worship.
There is no practical way to capture a full life lived 91 years. Ben lived a life where he worked enough to provide for his family but loving his family enough so they knew they mattered more than work. Most significantly he loved the Lord because the Lord first loved Ben.
Funeral service will be 11 AM Friday 3/15/19 at Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Sturgis, KY. Rev. Victor Hassell, Rev. Noah Quinton, and Rev. Ronald L. Burkins will officiate.
Visitation will be 4-8 PM Thursday and 9 AM until service time Friday at the church.
Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery near Blackford, KY.
Memorial contributions can be made to Cumberland Presbyterian Church Legacy Fund.