Larry & Melinda Brinkley

Larry Arlin Brinkley and Melinda Jane (Futrell) Brinkley departed this life just hours apart on Wednesday, Dec. 29th, 2021 at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark.

Melinda was born on Oct. 27th, 1942 in Paragould, Ark. to Woodrow and Elizabeth Futrell. Larry was born just two weeks later on Nov. 10th, 1942 in Marmaduke, Ark., to Arlin and Nita Brinkley.

Larry and Melinda’s paths crossed as students at Crowley’s Ridge Academy in Paragould. They graduated from CRA in May of 1960 and both attended Freed-Hardeman College in Henderson, Tenn. They were married on June 25th, 1961.

Larry was a church of Christ minister for more than 40 years. During those years of ministry, he also worked at Crowley’s Ridge College, Crowley’s Ridge Academy and Continental Utility Solutions, Inc. (CUSI). Larry was a past president of the Paragould Exchange Club, as well as a former board member at CRA.

Melinda was a homemaker for many years before spending more than 30 years as a teacher at Crowley’s Ridge Academy’s PALS pre-school program.

Larry and Melinda were preceded in death by their parents. Melinda was also preceded in death by her sister, Patricia Rowe.

They are survived by their children: Garth Brinkley of Plantation, Fla., Micah (Kelli) Brinkley of Paragould and Holly Brinkley of Paragould. They are also survived by four grandchildren: Daniel, Sarah, Landon (Halle) and Lathan.

Larry is survived by four brothers: Terry Brinkley (Regina Hodges), Phil (Karen) Brinkley, Randy (Kaylene) Brinkley and Danny (Sally) Brinkley, all of Paragould.

Melinda is survived by her brother-in-law Alfred Rowe of Paragould.

They are also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The Celebration of Lives Well-Lived for Larry and Melinda will begin at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 20th at the Center Hill Church of Christ in Paragould. Family will be at the church building beginning at Noon to visit with guests; however, there will not be a receiving line. Due to the fast-spreading growth of the latest variant of COVID, social distancing and mask wearing are encouraged.

Burial will be a private family gathering Friday morning, Jan. 21st at Greene County Memorial Gardens in Paragould.

The family requests memorial gifts be made to:

Children’s Homes, Inc.
5515 Walcott Road
Paragould, AR 72450
www.childrenshomes.org

Crowley’s Ridge Academy
606 Academy Drive
Paragould, AR 72540
www.crafalcons.org

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.