Buren Uriah Brinkley, Jr. of Watha, NC, departed his earthly life on the early morning of Sunday, June 16, 2024 while in Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center.  Born on July 2, 1945, he is the son of the late Buren Uriah Brinkley, Sr. and Early Eileen Carter Brinkley.  Also preceding him in death are sisters—Faye and Peggy.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of fifty-five years—Sharon Grey Jones Brinkley; children—Jeffrey Wayne Brinkley of Watha and Heather Brinkley Britt and husband Malcolm of Hampstead; grandchildren—Olivia Grey, Rhett Malcolm, and Eli Brinkley; siblings—Lynda and Kay; special cousin and friend—Earl Brinkley; and many nieces, nephews, special work friends, and community friends.

Mr. Buren is a man with humble beginnings who genuinely appreciated and loved everyone he came to know.  Joining the United States Army at the age of eighteen made him learn and appreciate life in general.  His career path led him to General Electric in Castle Hayne where he spent thirty-four years in a multitude of positions ending in the nuclear division as a chemical supervisor.  Being the good natured and good-humored conversationalist that he was made it easy for him to be a good and loyal friend to all.  He always enjoyed the simple life and wanted to be on the "outside", taking time to pursue nature's wonderful gifts, which kept him in awe.  Family and friends view him as creative, organized, a great provider, and protector.  He appreciated anything and everything that was done for him by others during his lifetime.  His love of John Deere, along with his "jack of all trades" abilities allowed him to make "jewels from junk" in rebuilding John Deere tractors.  He loved his wife and family more than anything on earth and saw his main role in life as being "Papa" and "Pops" to his family.

A graveside service to celebrate his life is set for 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2024, in the Riverview Memorial Park of Watha.  Family will greet friends during a visitation from 7:00 pm till 9:00 pm at Padgett Funeral & Cremation Services on Wednesday, June 19th.  For friends considering memorial gifts to the family, flowers are welcome or please consider a memorial gift, in Mr. Brinkley's honor, to donate.cancer.org or to Intl. Myeloma Foundation.