Leroy Fenton Brinkley, 104, of Chesapeake, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on February 3, 2025.

Born on June 13, 1920, in Edenton, North Carolina, Leroy was the second child of Norman L. Brinkley and Adell Cross Brinkley. Longevity ran in his family, as his father lived to be 102 years old, and his oldest sister, Reva, passed away at 104—just 10 months shy of her 105th birthday. Leroy, too, came close to reaching that remarkable milestone, as he was only four months shy of turning 105. He often said, "My goal is to reach 105 years old, but I'll be here until the good Lord says so." His faith and positive outlook on life were central to his spirit and resilience.

Leroy was a dedicated student and athlete at Edenton High School, where he earned a Letter E from the Athletic Association in 1938 and graduated in 1939. He then attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (North Carolina A&T) for two years before being drafted into World War II.

Leroy married the love of his life, Odessa Privott, on July 31, 1947. They shared a beautiful life together for over 68 years. Their union was a great blessing to many. Together, they raised their sons in a stable and loving home environment, instilling values of love, wisdom, and hard work. Leroy was a dedicated family man, always helping his wife with chores and cooking. His culinary specialties included roast beef, salmon cakes, and tomato pudding—favorites that became family traditions.

A true renaissance man, Leroy was an avid gardener who grew green beans, sweet potatoes, collard greens, peaches, apples, pears, muscadine grapes, and much more. He was also a skilled builder and mechanic, always busy with projects and never bored. Leroy built an addition onto his home and created a green workshop in his backyard, where he crafted furniture and worked on various other projects. His work ethic and love for learning passed down to his grandchildren, who cherished the time spent with him as he taught them practical skills and life lessons. Even at the age of 100, Leroy continued to garden, cook, and work on small projects.

Leroy was a strong and independent man, maintaining his active lifestyle well into his later years. He rode his ten-speed bike until he was 89 years old—a testament to his vitality and determination. After his wife's passing, Leroy was able to live alone from the age of 95, until he was 103 years old, at which time he moved in with his son and daughter-in-love.

Leroy proudly served as a Balloon Chief in the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion during World War II. This battalion, composed entirely of African American soldiers, made history as the only unit to storm the beaches on D-Day. Their courageous efforts were crucial in protecting Allied ships and soldiers from enemy aircraft. During the battle, Leroy and a fellow comrade captured a German soldier. Despite the circumstances, Leroy spared the soldier's life and turned him in to his commanding officers as a prisoner of war, demonstrating his compassion and sense of justice. Leroy's bravery and service earned him several honors, including the American Theater Campaign Medal, the EAMET Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars and 1 Bronze Arrowhead, and the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign Medal. After his Army service, Leroy joined the Navy Reserves as an aircraft mechanic, retiring on February 3, 1962.

Following his military service, Leroy spent 31 years as a mail carrier with the United States Postal Service. He was a longtime member of the National Association of Mail Carriers and VFW Post 2894 (Veterans of Foreign Wars). Leroy was also a long-time resident of Fernwood Farms, where he remained active with the neighborhood civic league and served as a trustee of First Baptist Church Crestwood for many years.

On May 28, 2021, Leroy was honored as one of 16 local heroes from the Greatest Generation during a ceremony at Indian River High School, which recognized World War II veterans. Teacher Craig Blackman and student Jelani White interviewed Leroy and presented a report about his life and service via Zoom due to pandemic restrictions. Leroy was deeply moved by this recognition and treasured a special gift he received following the event.

Leroy was preceded in death by his loving wife, Odessa Privott Brinkley; sons, Robert Brinkley, Fenton Brinkley; grandson, Patrick Fletcher; granddaughter, Kenya Brinkley; and siblings, Reva Standifer, Alice Hamilton, and Milton Brinkley. He is survived by his sons, Trafton Brinkley (Gloria) and Quentin Brinkley (Lillie); daughter-in-love, Sonya Brinkley; grandchildren, Demetrias Brown (Edwin), Dr. Julian Brinkley (Nathalie), Robert Redding, Tiffany Brinkley, Justin Carter, Lorri Nelson (Clay), and Charles Cuffee, Jr.; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; brother, Norman Brinkley, Jr. (Pearl); Goddaughter, Cathy Hayes, and a host of relatives and friends.

His legacy of courage, service, love, wisdom, and a life well-lived will remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 10. 2025, at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church Crestwood, 4701 Bainbridge Blvd, Chesapeake, VA. Viewing will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2025, from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm. You can join the service livestream at 11:00 am on Monday, February 10, 2025, at: https://www.facebook.com/PretlowandSons