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Robert Herbert Brinkley III (Bert) was born on Feb. 4, 1950, in Suffolk.  He passed away on Dec. 28, 2022. Bert enjoyed a childhood of farming and restaurant life with his parents and siblings on Carolina Road and Herb’s Bar-B-Q. He developed a strong work ethic, which served him well in his professional life. He acquired a strong love of cooking from working at Herb’s.

Bert graduated from Forest Glen High School, Virginia Tech and Valparaiso University School of Law. He remained a lifelong Hokies Fan. Bert started his career as Assistant City Attorney for the City of Suffolk, a position he held for eight years. He and his wife, Cindy then relocated to Hickory, N.C., her hometown. He began employment with her family’s business, Plastic Packaging, working his way up to president of the company before retiring in 2012. He was passionate about giving back to the community by participating in various charitable endeavors. 

Upon retirement, his next adventure was a life of leisure and golf at Pinehurst, N.C. until his health issues prevented golf play. Then Bert returned closer to home by moving to his beach house at Nags Head, N.C.  His declining health prompted him to move back to his hometown of Suffolk in 2020.

Bert was predeceased by his wife, Cindy Ballenger; his parents, Herb and Mildred Brinkley and his sister, Betsy B. Briggs.

He is survived by his two sisters, Cynthia B. and Sandy Winslow, Melinda B. and Henry Trostle; nephews, Brent Winslow (Megan) and Stuart Trostle; nieces, Ashley Kelly (Scott), Melanie Long (Tanner) and Brianna O’Berry; along with several great nieces and nephews.  Bert cherished his friendship with Doug and Robbie Caskey and Jim and Christy Lynch.

According to Bert’s request, there will be no formal service.  e would prefer you honor his life, if desired, by considering a donation to one of the following charities, which were special to him: Suffolk Foundation, 110 Finney Ave. #100, Suffolk, VA 23434; N.E.S.T., P.O. Box 1073, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949; Virginia Tech Foundation, 902 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061.  Condolences may be registered online at parrfuneralhome.com.