John Samuel “Sam” Brinkley, Sr. age 73 of Ahoskie, died Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at his home. He was born October 5, 1936 in Hertford County to the late Leadie Alphus Brinkley and Lou Overton Brinkley. Mr. Brinkley was a veteran of the United States Air Force, was self employed as an auto dealer, auto mechanic and an auto body man and was a member of Brantley’s Grove Baptist Church. A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 1 a.m. in the Ashley Memorial Chapel of Garrett-Jones Funeral Home. Burial, with military rites, will follow in Brinkley Cemetery. Rev. J.N. Baggett and Rev. Greg Hurdle will officiate. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Shelby “Jean” Davis Brinkley, a daughter Shawn Terry and her husband Buddy of Harrellsville, a son Tim Brinkley of Ahoskie, a daughter-in-law Pam Brinkley of Ahoskie, sisters Celia Stroud of Greenville, Betty Legette of Hamilton and Shirley Umphlett of Eure, grandchildren Morgan Brinkley of Raleigh, Brandon Terry and Courtney Brinkley of Ahoskie and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Brinkley was predeceased by a son John Samuel “Sammy” Brinkley, Jr. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to University Hospice. PO Box 272, Ahoskie, NC 27910 or to the Hertford County Relay for Life, 930B Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC 27834. Friends and family may send condolences and sign the online register at www.garrettjonesfh.com.