Melvin John Brinkley

Melvin John Brinkley, 78, of Watkinsville, passed away on January 17, 2024. Born on May 20, 1945, he was the son of the late Henry Ira Brinkley and Gladys Almyra Stewart Brinkley.

Melvin was a strong-willed individual who enjoyed leading others, helping them grow to their full potential. He proudly served our country for over 21 years in the United States Marine Corps, entering as a PVT E-1 and retiring as a Major. During his time in the Marines, he served two tours in Vietnam, attended college at night to obtain his master’s degree, and earned numerous medals and badges such as the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Rifle Expert Badge and Pistol Sharpshooter Badge just to list a few.  Upon retiring from the Marines, he began working at the University of Georgia as a Director for the Management Information Systems, where he also retired after many years of employment.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Daniel Henry Brinkley, Sr.; 5 brothers; 3 sisters.

Survivors include his daughter, Jamie Anne Cochran; stepchildren, Daniel Alfred Burer, Michael Herman Burer, James Edward Burer, Samuel Andrew Burer; grandson, Daniel Henry Brinkley, Jr; 15 additional grandchildren; great grandchildren, Pearl Marie Brinkley, Palmer Grace Brinkley; siblings, Deborah Delaine Brinkley Bradley, Jimmy Blake Brinkley, Jules Gail Brinkley Ellington; numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Lord & Stephens, WEST, Watkinsville with pastor Derek Anglin officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Georgia Veterans Cemetery in Milledgeville.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville is entrusted with arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com.