- Brigadier General (Ret) Billie Joe Brinkley, 90, of Evansville, Indiana, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at home surrounded by his family.
Bill was born in Hopkins County, Kentucky on January 30, 1933 to the late Rupert and Helen (Quinn) Brinkley. He attended F.J. Reitz High School and would later receive his Bachelor of Science from the University of The State of New York. After high school, Bill enlisted in the Indiana Army National Guard as a Private Service Battery. He was eventually promoted to Private First Class before enlisting in the United States Air Force. After three years in the Air Force, Bill returned to the Indiana Army National Guard and began what would culminate into an illustrious career. His career began with extensive schooling and training. Bill completed Infantry Officers’ Basic Course in Fort Benning, GA, in 1960, and then Infantry Officers' Career Course in 1966 - also in Fort Benning, GA. He went on to complete military police school, where he specialized in drug investigation, physical security, and criminal investigation supervision. Bill finished his military schooling in 1973 by graduating from the Command & General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Bill would go on to serve a total of 32 years, ultimately becoming Brigadier General and serve as the Assistant Adjutant General of the Army Military Department of Indiana. As Assistant Adjutant General, Bill was responsible for overseeing the administrative and operational functions of the Indiana Army National Guard. During this time, he also served as the Senior Advisor to the Adjutant General. Bill accumulated a plethora of awards and decorations at both the state and federal levels. His state level awards included: Indiana Commendation Medal, Indiana Emergency Service Ribbon with Oak Leaf, Indiana Long Service - 30 Years, Indiana Volunteer Emblem, Indiana Distinguished Service Medal, and the Adjutant General's Staff Identification Badge. On the federal level, Bill received the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal - 20 Years, the Army Reserves Components Achievement Medal, Army National Guard Badge, and the Army Service Ribbon.
In addition to his extensive military service, Bill retired as Captain on the Evansville Police Department after 23 years of dedicated service. While on the police department, Bill was instrumental in creating the Narcotics Unit. He was also a graduate of the FBI Academy of Drug Enforcement. Bill was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Association of the United States Army, National Guard Association of Indiana, and the Military Officers Association. Aside from his decorated career, Bill was a man of strong faith and rooted in family. He was a true believer in the Lord, and served as an ordained Deacon in the Southern Baptist Church. He also had a deep love for his family. Bill spent 64 wonderful years married to the love of his life, Bettye Jo, and together they built a family of children and grandchildren they both cherished immensely.
Brigadier General Brinkley will be deeply missed by all those that had the pleasure of knowing him.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Dana Trible of Evansville, IN; sons, Scott Brinkley of Boonville, IN and Lukas Brinkley of Evansville, IN; grandchildren, Amy Angel (Eric) and Eric Stoneberger (Liza); and great-grandchildren, Cayden, Lorelei, Deacon, and Silas.
Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Bettye Jo (McCuiston) Brinkley; parents; sisters, Margaret Pearson and Norma Jones; and brothers, Raymond Brinkley and Harold Brinkley.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at Browning Funeral Home, 738 Diamond Ave., Evansville, IN 47711 with Rev. Kevin Royalty officiating. Entombment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery where special full honors will be performed by the Military Department of Indiana Ceremonial Unit.
Friends may visit from 10:00 am until service time on Wednesday at Browning Funeral Home.
The family would like to especially thank Bill’s primary caregiver, Kiersten Woodruff, for all of her loving and compassionate care.
Memorial contributions may be made to Heritage Hospice, 1202 W Buena Vista Rd., #107, Evansville, IN 47710.
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1933 - 2023 (90 years)
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