Robert Jefferson Brinson

Robert Jefferson Brinson, 90, a long time resident of Jacksonville, Florida, went to be with the Lord on July 9, 2013, after a short illness. Mr. Brinson was born in Pearson, Georgia and grew up in Lakeland, Florida. After graduating from Lakeland High School, he attended South Georgia College and later received a Congressional appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Great Neck, New York. Upon graduation, he was selected for training at New London, Connecticut at the US Navy Submarine School, where he later served with distinction as an instructor during the height of World War II.

He also served as a trainer in San Diego, California and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii during the war and later at Mare Island Naval Base during the decommissioning of numerous submarines post war.

After the war, he attended the University of Florida, and received a Bachelors degree in Business Administration. He married the former Corinne Butler, and began a career in the retail sales business, serving as credit manager for Allied Stores and the May Company, in San Diego, New York, Miami, Tampa, and finally Jacksonville, Florida. His retail career was interrupted during the Korean War, where he again served as a submarine instructor in San Diego, California until the end of the war. He continued his service as a Naval Reserve Officer for 27 years, retiring at the rank of Commander.

After serving in the retail business, he began a new career in governmental service and later retired from civil service with the US Navy in Jacksonville, Florida as both a budget analyst and accountant for the Naval Air Rework Facility.

His civic service included President of Toastmasters where he was a member for over 30 years, President of the Twin Hills Civic Association, Elder Affairs Council of Florida, AARP, Submarine Veterans of World War II, and numerous other civic groups during his over 50 years in Jacksonville, Florida. He has served as an advisor for the Florida Legislature as well as the office of the Mayor of Jacksonville, Florida on issues concerning the elderly. He was a longtime member of the West Jacksonville Republican Club. He was an active member of Hyde Park Baptist Church.

Mr. Brinson is survived by his wife of 65 years, Corinne, and children, Bonnie McMillan (Tommy) of Thomasville, GA, Betty Ann Suggs (Charles) of Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Randy Brinson (Pamela) of Montgomery, AL , and Jonathan Brinson (Jacquie) of Jacksonville, FL; sister, Jeannette Brinson Anderson ( Richard) of Lakeland, FL; grandchildren, Amy McMillan Stalvey (Jim) of Thomasville, GA, Stacey Suggs Keprios (Kris) of Lakeland, FL, Christopher Brinson, of Mobile, AL, Brian Suggs (Jennifer) of Jacksonville, FL, Daniel Brinson of Valdosta, GA, Philip Brinson of Montgomery, AL, Keri McMillan Hopkins (Ben) of Cairo, GA, and Christy McMillan of Atlanta, GA, and 6 great grandchildren; and nephew Jeff Anderson (Carolyn) of Lakeland, FL.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 12 from 6 – 8 PM at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 5753 Blanding Blvd. Funeral Service will be Saturday, July 13 at 11 AM at Hyde Park Baptist Church, with burial to follow at Jacksonville Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hyde Park Baptist Church, 2000 S. Lane Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32210

Leave a memory or a message of condolence at www.hardage-giddensblanding.com