Pastor Eugene Roosevelt Brinkley

Pastor Eugene Roosevelt “Gene” Brinkley, 87, of Mount Airy, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, March 15, 2026, surrounded by his wife and three daughters. Born December 13, 1938, in Richmond, Virginia, Gene was one of seven children born to the late Coley Roosevelt and Beulah Irene Jessup Brinkley.

He faithfully served the Lord in ministry for more than 50 years, shepherding several churches and touching countless lives through his preaching, prayer, and genuine love for his congregation. Gene was known for his steadfast faith and deep devotion to God’s call on his life. For 25 years he also shared the gospel through a radio ministry broadcast on WSYD and WPAQ, extending his pastoral heart to listeners throughout the community. He lived by the words of Proverbs 3:5-7: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.”

Gene is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rhonda Ashburn Brinkley; three daughters and sons-in-law, Miriam and Brian Goff, Rebekah and Pastor Wes Mosteller, and Candace and Michael Needham; grandchildren Elijah Mosteller, Abigail and C.J. Clayton, Alex Goff, Emma Goff, Luke and Lexi Needham, Andrew Needham, and Madeline Needham; great-grandchild Ella Needham; a sister and brother-in-law, Sue and Billy Cook; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Dan and Shirley Brinkley and Stanley and Carolyn Brinkley; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Joyce Perryman and Julia Vipperman, and a brother, Robert Brinkley.