George Brinkley, 89, of Somerset, son of the late Willis Earl Brinkley and Sarah Marie Whitis Brinkley of Mark, Kentucky, was born on December 17, 1931. He peacefully passed away Friday, August 13th, at home, ending an 18-year battle with cancer, in the company of his wife and son.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Justine Carol Brinkley, son David (Jennifer) Brinkley of Bowling Green, sister Glenda Wilson of Somerset , brother Bill (Chris) Brinkley of Mark, sister Wilma “Babe” (Linville) Hughes of Mark, and sister Ella Jane Hasty of Louisville. George also has three grandchildren, Madison Marie Brinkley of Pensacola, Florida, Braden Talmadge Brinkley of Hendersonville, Tennessee, and Gauge Lawson Brinkley of Pace, Florida. George is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends who will miss him, yet continue to feel his positive influence in their lives.  His wonderful sense of humor brightened the day of all those around him. 

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by twin brothers Bobbie and Joe Brinkley. 

Following high school, George began service in the Korean War effort.  After training at Fort Ord in California, he was stationed in Japan for the United States Army.  After his military service was complete, George began a job in the engineering department at the Kentucky Department of Transportation.  He retired after 38 years of doing a job that he dearly loved.  He frequently told his family that he loved going to work every single day.

After meeting in November of 1955 and having several dates at Finley’s restaurant over a four and a half year period, George married Justine Carol Vanhook at her parent’s home on May 27th, 1960.  Together, George and Justine were blessed with an adopted son, David, on December 13th, 1968.

George was a faithful and servant-oriented member of East Somerset Baptist Church and attended as long as his health permitted.  He truly lived a life to celebrate.  He loved people, whether coaching youth basketball or teaching three year-olds in Sunday school.  He spoke to everyone, whether he knew them or not, often adding that it doesn’t cost anyone anything to speak.  His heart was made of pure gold and was willing to help anyone in need. He took pride in his home, his lawn, and especially his flowers.  His character pushed him to always want to look nice and usually added that if your shoes didn’t look good, you didn’t look good.  A devout Christian, husband, and father, he was a role model for family love.  He was dedicated to every aspect of his family’s life and often supported his son and grandchildren whenever he was able.

Funeral arrangements for George Brinkley are with Pulaski Funeral Home. 

Visitation will be held Wednesday morning, August 18th from 10am-Noon ET at East Somerset Baptist Church at 345 Pumphouse Road, Somerset. 

The service will follow visitation at Noon, also at East Somerset Baptist Church officiated by David Pendley and Rev. Darvie Fenison. 

Masks will be required for entry to visitation or funeral.  A private burial will follow later that day. Expressions of sympathy are requested in the form of donations to either of the following: East Somerset Baptist Church (345 Pumphouse Road, Somerset, KY 42503) or the Brinkley Student (ASD) Fellowship at Western Kentucky University c/o (WKU Public Broadcasting, 1906 College Heights Blvd.  #11034, Bowling Green, KY  42101).