Frank Brinkley Nelms, Jr. 62, of Suffolk passed away on Monday, July 1, 2019. Frank “Brink” was born on May 8, 1957, in Portsmouth and was the son of the late Frank B. Nelms Sr. and Joan Joyce Harrison Nelms.

Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Catherine J. Nelms; their son, Ryan J. Nelms and wife, Lori; three grandchildren, Rylea, Ryan Justin and Logan; his sisters, Jonie N. Mansfield and Lois M. Nelms; his brother, Robert E. Nelms and wife, Diane; his mother-in-law, Myrtle S. Jones Fodrie; brother-in-law, Wayne Jones and wife, Cindy; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Brink graduated from Nansemond-Suffolk Academy in 1976. He and Cathy were married in 1977 and were members of Suffolk Christian Church. Together they founded Ryan Construction Company Inc. and Ryan Marine Inc. Brink deeply loved his family and was committed to the community, serving for years as a member and as chief of Driver Volunteer Fire Department, on the Board of Directors of Riddick’s Folly, Suffolk Jaycees, Driver Ruritan Club and Jolly Boys. He lived an active and adventurous life, racing cars, boating and paddleboarding, and he loved hunting and golfing with his friends.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 5, 2019, at Berea Christian Church, 4109 Driver Lane, Suffolk. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 4, 2019, at R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory, 509 W. Washington St., Suffolk. Burial will be at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, followed by a reception in the Berea Christian Church Social Hall in Driver.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to your local volunteer fire department or rescue squad. Condolences may be offered at RWBakerFH.com.