Bentley Leon Brinkley

Bentley Leon Brinkley

Bentley Leon Brinkley, 78, of Paragould passed away Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016. He was born May 7, 1937, in the Childress community of Monette and resided in Potosi, Mo., and Paragould. He was a member of 7th and Mueller Church of Christ. 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. Leon farmed and enjoyed watching over his crops and cattle. He was an avid Arkansas State Red Wolf and Arkansas Razorback fan.

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. He was a graduate of Missouri's Auctioneers School in 1962 where he became Colonel Leon Brinkley. He also attended Arkansas State University.

He 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; 14 grandchildren, B.J. Smith, Jordan (Ronnie) Richardson, Shae Nunn, Jacob Nunn, Jason Edwards, Ashley (Jonathan) Mays, Matthew Jones, Derrick (fiancee Nicole White) Brinkley, Kaden Brinkley, Kyler Brinkley, Cecilee Brinkley, Madeline Brinkley, Nathan Brinkley and Mandy (Michael) Smith; 11 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.

Services will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 2, at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel, Paragould, with Larry McFadden, Michael Cox and Rusty McMillon officiating. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, at the Mitchell Funeral Home.

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 include 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