Bentley Leon Brinkley

PARAGOULD, Ark. — Bentley Leon Brinkley, 78, of Paragould, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, February 27, 2016.

He was born May 7, 1937, in the Childress community of Monette, Arkansas, and resided in Potosi, Missouri and Paragould, Arkansas. He was a member of 7th and Mueller Church of Christ.

Leon farmed and enjoyed watching over his crops and cattle. He was an avid Arkansas State Red Wolf and Arkansas Razorback fan.

He was the owner, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Unico Bank, Paragould Auto Auction, Inc., National Truck and Equipment, Brinkley Auction Service, and Foton Tractor and Equipment. He was a Member of the National Auto Auction Association, Southern Auto Auction Association (Past President), Arkansas Auctioneers Association, Automotive Fleet and Lease Association (Past President), and the Independent Auto Auction Association. Leon was a Graduate of Missouri’s Auctioneers School in 1962 where he became Colonel Leon Brinkley. He also attended Arkansas State University.

Leon leaves his wife of 59 years, Barbara Brinkley; his mother-in-law, Becky Byrd; three children: daughter, Vicki (Blaine) Nunn; daughter, Judy Lamberth; son, Joe (Candace) Brinkley; fourteen grandchildren, B.J. Smith, Jordan (Ronnie) Richardson, Shae Nunn, Jacob Nunn, Jason Edwards, Ashley (Jonathan) Mays, Matthew Jones, Derrick (fiancée Nicole White) Brinkley, Kaden Brinkley, Kyler Brinkley, Cecilee Brinkley, Madeline Brinkley, Nathan Brinkley and Mandy (Michael) Smith; eleven great grandchildren, Morgan Richardson, Cash Richardson, Ryan Richardson, Sophia Smith, Jordan Mays, Maggie Lou Mays, Bentley Mays, Alex Peede, Taylor Edwards, Becca Brinkley, Mason Castleberry; one great-great-grandchild, Oliver Peede; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Opal Brinkley.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel in Paragould, with Larry McFadden, Michael Cox and Rusty McMillon officiating. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery. Pallbearers are Jason Edwards, B.J. Smith, Matthew Jones, Derrick Brinkley, Kyler Brinkley, Jacob Nunn, Nathan Brinkley, Ronnie Richardson, Jonathan Mays and Blaine Nunn. Honorary pallbearers are the men of Class 400 at 7th and Mueller Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers you can make a donation to Compassion Outreach, Children’s Education Center at 7th and Mueller, the Paragould Children’s Home or an organization of donor’s choice. Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com.

Brinkley