France Moorefield Brinkley, Jr. of Richmond, departed this life July 31, 2024, after an extended illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, France M. Brinkley, Sr. and Eva Davis Brinkley. Left to cherish his memory are his devoted sister, Evette Brinkley Hobson (Leon), two nieces, Jasmine and Lauren Hobson, sister-at-heart, Patricia Janes (Lonnie), several cousins and many friends.
France was baptized at an early age at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he was active in Boy Scouts and the church choir. He attended Richmond Public Schools and graduated from John Marshall High School in 1976, after attending Thomas Jefferson High School for two years.
He joined the United States Air Force after high school and became a Combat Communications Specialist, stationed at Warner Robins Air Force Base in Macon, Georgia. He later transferred to Kessler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. Upon obtaining an honorable discharge from the Air Force, France became a firefighter for the City of Biloxi and certified Emergency Medical Technician. Due to the racial injustices he experienced and observed in Biloxi, France also became an active member of the Biloxi Branch NAACP, the Biloxi Big Brothers Program and volunteered in other civil rights and civic efforts. He received commendations and letters of appreciation from Biloxi City officials and the community for his service. After leaving the Fire Department, France became a security guard for Isle of Capri Hotel and Casino.
France had a big heart and enjoyed helping people. When Hurricane Katrina hit Biloxi in 2005, his home was flooded and he sustained significant property loss. Despite pleas from family and friends to come home to Richmond, France was adamant that he needed to stay and help his devastated community. Years later, he retired and moved back to Richmond, but suffered from several health issues prior to his passing.
France also loved listening to music, dancing, playing and watching sports. His greatest joy was spending time with family and friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, August 22, 2024 at Scott’s Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Elder Jay Myers officiating. Interment private. Livestreaming at scottsfuneralhome.com
Linda B Belle sent Beautiful Dreams for France Moorefield Brinkley, Jr. - August 21, 2024
Evette, We Love U and are so sorry for Ur Loss. France was Ur Big Brother and I know U felt Loved, Supported & Protected. Our thoughts and Prayers are with You, Leon & Girls. Love Linda, Jeff & Girls
Vicki Williams sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for France Moorefield Brinkley, Jr. - August 20, 2024
Offering our deepest condolences. Thanking God that he blessed you with your brother, and your beautiful relationship. Peace and love, Steven and Vicki Williams
sandra foushee planted 5 trees in memory of France Moorefield Brinkley, Jr. . - August 20, 2024
My sincerest condolences to the Brinkley family. I was one of many guys who was stationed at Warner Robins too Skee was one of the guys who played basketball with us every weekend. We'd play ball have a drink and a few laughs, then go back and play again. Skee was always the life of the party. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. Rest in peace my friend.
My prayers and condolences are for the family.. We were fortunate to be able to have him as a friend and teammate at Robins AFB. RIP Dap Bridges Pensacola FL
MY DEEPEST & SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE BRINKLEY FAMILY ON THE LOST OF FRANCE(SKEE). WE WERE STATIONED TOGETHER AT ROBINS AFB GA(WARNER ROBINS) & CONTINUED OUR FRIENDSHIP AFTER HE ARRIVED IN THE CITY OF BILOXI MS. WE LOST CONTACT WITH EACH OTHER AFTER I MOVED TO BOSTON MA & HE RETURNED TO VIRGINIA. THIS IS TRULY A SHOCKING MOMENT FOR MYSELF, ALONG WITH OTHER FRIENDS IN MS, GA, AL & ACROSS THE US. FLY HIGH FRANCE, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN..REST IN POWER...FLY HIGH.
Heartfelt Condolences Love and Prayers To You Evette and Family During This Most Difficult Time. May The Hand of God Continue To Surround Each of You With His Comfort and Peace. France You Are Forever Loved and Will Be Forever Missed...Take Your Rest Now.."Job Well-Done"..🙏🏽💞 Rosalind Nelson and Family..
God Bless My Dear Cousin. France will always be loved. The memories and great times we shared are forever in my heart. God Bless You All. I know the love and caring that was giving to him but God Loves Him Best. Cherron Brinkley Mitchell
Words will not properly express how we feel about the loss of our cousin. France was such a warm and generous cousin to us - we are blessed to have had many wonderful times with him and many wonderful, sharing conversations. Love, The Davis Family.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences, Yvette and family.
France was a cherished high school friend of mine. His radiant smile and contagious laughter will forever be etched in my memory.
His presence will be deeply missed, and he will always hold a special place in my heart. May he find eternal peace.
Best regards,
[Patricia Leonard
Hi Evette, I offer my sympathy to you and your family during this time of bereavement. May you be encouraged by knowing that your brother is in the hand of the Lord and your friends are here to support you. Keep the faith! -Bruce Gaines| Rochester Hills, MI
To Evette and family, France was my church friend and classmate. He will truly be missed. May God be with you and your family. RIP France. Denise Crumm Chavis and family.
With deepest sympathy and prayers to the family.
Evette & Family..words can't describe how we feel about the loss of France. He was like a brother to our families! We have a tremendous amount of memories that we will always cherish 😍 He is gone, but never forgotten ❤️ Praying for peace and comfort for all of you. Love...Keith & Valerie Howey and The White's Family
Mr Brinkley touched the lives of everyone who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with all his family . They loved him dearly. Rest in peace.
To Evette and family, as you know France was a good friend who will truly be missed. No more suffering that he will have to endure. May God watch over you during this very difficult time. RIP France.
Elwood Thomas
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