Anthony Lornell Brinkley

Bishop Anthony Lornell Brinkley, age 68, of Lillington, NC, transitioned to eternal rest on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, NC.

Obituary

God, in His infinite wisdom, called Anthony Lornell “Bucky” Brinkley home on March 24th at Cape Fear Valley Hospital in Fayetteville, NC. Born April 23, 1957, to the late Willie Mae and Ernest Lornell Brinkley, Anthony was a man whose life reflected faith, service, and generosity.

As a child, he was an active member of Bethel A.M.E. Zion Church, where he received a spiritual foundation that would later draw him back into a deeper walk with God.

He graduated from Benhaven High School in 1975 and continued his education at Central Carolina Community College before joining the United States Army in 1976.  He proudly served his country for ten years, including tours in Germany and other locations, and was honorably discharged.

Following his military career, Anthony worked at Davenport for several years. However, his true passion was driving trucks. He began working alongside his uncles in their dump truck business, where he honed his skills and deepened his love for the trade. With determination and an entrepreneurial spirit, he went on to establish his own business, AntBar, and took great pride in owning and operating his own truck, fulfilling a long-held dream.  Throughout his life, Anthony’s devotion to his faith remained a guiding force, inspiring him to serve others with the same dedication he brought to every endeavor.

Anthony renewed his commitment to the Lord and devoted himself to serving others through his faith. He was a devoted member and served as Bishop in the Lord’s Church at Holy Tabernacle of Jesus Christ Inc. Fayetteville, NC under the leadership of Chief Apostle Belle Smith.  It was there, that Anthony faithfully ministered and shared the Word of God. His passion for outreach extended into prison ministry, where he brought hope, encouragement, and the message of redemption to those in need.

Known as a devout Christian and true man of God, he lived his life guided by faith, compassion, and humility. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and was generous to a fault, touching countless lives with his kindness and servant’s heart.

He was united in holy matrimony to his beloved wife, Barbara Newkirk Brinkley, and together they built a life rooted in love and faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Mae and Lornell Brinkley, and his brother, Reedis Bryan Brinkley.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Barbara Newkirk Brinkley of Lillington, NC; one son Anthony Maurice Stroud of Sanford, NC; one granddaughter Zaria Stroud of MN; two stepsons, Sedrick McLean and Roger McLean Jr.; two sisters, Sandra Hands of Cameron, NC and Tonya Brinkley of Woodbridge, VA; one brother Samuel Brinkley of Wake, VA; two uncles, Willie Brinkley and Lynwood Brinkley both of Cameron, NC; two great aunts Sallie Ann Hailey and Fannie Headen, both of Sanford, NC; In-laws, Johnnie Fields and Annie Campbell, John Newkirk, James Newkirk (Janice), Pansy Wright (Larice), Wanda McAlister (Fred); and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

His life stands as a testimony of God’s grace, and his legacy of faith, service, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home - Sanford, NC