Funeral Information
Location:
Ruby Funeral Services & Crematories
Date: 08-02-2024
Time: 10:00 AM
Time: 10:00 AM
Visitation Information
Location:
Ruby Funeral Services & Crematories 1520 East Washington Street, Springfield, Illinois 62703
Date: 08-02-2024
Time: 9:00 AM
Time: 9:00 AM
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Obituary
Thomas J. Brinker, Jr., departed this life on July 21, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born on December 14, 1935, to the late Mary Lou and Thomas Brinker in Vardaman, Mississippi.
Thomas J. Brinker, Jr., joined Popular Spring Missionary Baptist Church in Eupora, Mississippi, at an early age. He was a very spirited youth, inheriting the nickname ‘Stag,’ symbolizing a free male deer. A nickname that stuck with him throughout his life. He was known for saying “I mean what I say.”
In May 1957, Thomas married Willie Mae (Pulliam). Later, he and his children moved to Springfield, Illinois.
After relocating to Springfield, Illinois, Mr. Brinker was a crane operator for over thirty years at RD Lawrence and Local Operators 965. He was the second black man to be hired in that position. He endured many challenges on the job, but his perseverance paid off and he retired in 2001.
He enjoyed many things, but two stood out: being grandfather/great-grandfather and listening to the Blues. Being a grandfather/great-grandfather to his “grands/great-grands” allowed him to upgrade his parenting skills and add more love. He enjoyed the Blues. He would reflect on the good ole days, while listening to BB King and Bobby Blue Bland. He loved to debate who was the better singer.
Cars were also a passion of his. If you wanted to get his attention, then mention the word “cars.” He was a self-taught mechanic and became known as the “neighborhood mechanic.” He developed quick problem-solving skills and there wasn’t a car he couldn’t fix!
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Lou and Thomas Brinker; wife, Willie Mae Brinker; children, Linda F. Brinker and Thomas E. Brinker; and siblings, Leno Brinker, Mary Jennings, Louada Echoles, Cedell “Bo” Brinker, and Shirley Gardner.
He leaves to cherish his memories; children, Lillie M. Brinker, Bernadette Gordon, and Cardell Spencer; grandchildren, Brandon Terrell, Cherrelle “Boo,” Charnelle “Nikki” Brinker, and Quanisha McAllister; great-grandchildren, Brandon, Bryan, Bryce, Brooke, Bravion Ware, and Aniya “Coogie” Wells; siblings, Bernice Thomas, Nadine McGregory, Lucressa Warren, and Dorthy Webb; and a special friend, Sharon Hopson.