Richard “Swampbear” Brittle Brinkley, Sr. 68, of Suffolk, Virginia went home to be with the lord Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.  He was beloved by all who knew him.   He was born in Nansemond County, VA and graduated from Forest Glen High School, Class of 71′. He went on to work for Union Camp which later became International Paper and retired after 35 years.  After retirement he owned and operated Dixie Landscaping.

Richard was a lifelong member of Cypress Chapel Christian Church, and the Tommy Ellis Bible Class.  He served on many committees, one of his very favorites was outreach, visiting members of the church who were elderly, sick or unable to attend services regularly; as well as mission work abroad.

Richard loved his community, he was a faithful member of the Cypress Ruritan Club where he currently served as Treasurer.  Over the years he was actively involved in the Southside Athletics Association (Cypress) and served as Coach and Commissioner for numerous years.

Richard was a great story teller. You’d often hear stories from his childhood, tearing up when sharing stories.  Mr. Brinkley could start a conversation with anyone and often did. His love for community was huge, as well as his love for telling jokes, often spoiling the punch line. This made you love him even more. He wanted nothing more than to give people a reason to smile and remind you that they were loved.

Richard loved his wife, Carolyn with all his heart. The love they shared for over 50 years was truly beautiful.  He loved his sons & grandchildren unconditionally, always encouraging them to live the life they dreamed, but always call your mom.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by his four sons, Richard “Britt” Brinkley, Jr. (Darlene), Ryan Brinkley, Brandon Brinkley (David), and Noel Brinkley; grandchildren, Emma, Rachael, Will & Zach; a sister, Margaret White; and three brothers, Lee Brinkley Jr. (Monique), James W. Brinkley (Dana), and Robert W. Brinkley (Judy). He was predeceased by his mother and father, Lee & Gertrude Brinkley; brothers William J. “Billy” Brinkley & Hersey E. Brinkley.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Cypress Chapel Christian Church with Pastor Alan Cruz and Pastor Michael Brinkley officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Friends may join the family for a time of visitation Monday night from 7-8 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory.  Memorial donations may be made to Cypress Chapel Christian Church Mission Fund or the Cypress Ruritan Scholarship Fund.  Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.</p