Richard Leon Brinkley

Asheville – Richard Leon Brinkley, 76, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at the Charles George VA Medical Center while surrounded by family.

A native and lifelong resident of Buncombe County, he was a son of the late David Daniel Brinkley and Dorothy Mae Dricker Skelton, and the husband of the late June Elizabeth Nelson Brinkley.

Richard was a U.S. Army Veteran having served two tours in Vietnam. He enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and bow hunting.

Surviving are his granddaughters: Terri Jackson and husband James, and Tiffany Terry; four great-grandchildren; sisters: Mary Overton and husband Daryl, Melinda McCoy and husband Dale, and Meritta Mashburn; brothers: Alfred Brinkley, and Jimmy Brinkley and wife Susie; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Friday, February 9, 2024, in the chapel of the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery. Military funeral honors provided by the U.S. Army.

The family will receive friends from 12 till 1 PM on Friday at Anders-Rice Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Daryl Overton, Dale McCoy, Jimmy Brinkley, Johnny Hyatt, Jonathan Brinkley, and David Raines.

Richard’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of the Charles George VA Medical Center and Valor Hospice for all their care and support given to Richard and his family, and to Jimmy and Susie for taking such great care of Richard.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Charles George VA Medical Center, Valor Hospice, 1100 Tunnel Rd, Asheville, NC 28805.

Anders-Rice Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve Richard’s family.