Ben Brinkley

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Ben Brinkley, 82, of Harrisburg, passed away on Monday, Dec. 28, 2009, at his residence in Harrisburg.

He was born on July 12, 1927, in Muddy to the late Luther and Ernestine (Gardner) Brinkley. On April 9, 1950, he married Shirley Ann Norman and she preceded him in death.

Ben was a graduate of Harrisburg High School, Southern Illinois University and served in the United States Army.

Ben dedicated his life to education. He was a teacher and principal at rural schools such as Bankston, Independence and Muddy before teaching English at Harrisburg High School. Ben was a pioneer in organizing teachers' unions and worked for the Illinois Education Association until his retirement. Recently, he was honored for participating in the first public arbitration in the state of Illinois.

He campaigned for the Equal Rights Amendment and served many years on the board of the Anna Bixby Center. Ben read thousands of books during his life and wrote thousands of letters. His "letters to the editor" were often published in the Daily Register. He was also published in "Springhouse." Ben Brinkley was an educated, kind man who lived life on his own terms.

Mr. Brinkley is survived by his son, Ben Rhett Brinkley and his daughter, Jill Scarlett Brinkley Holler; son-in-law, Tony Holler; and four grandchildren, Adrienne, Alex, Troy and Quinn Holler. He is also survived by two sisters, Carsa Hedger and Mollijean Frazier; one brother, Bob Brinkley; two brothers-in-law, Doyle Hedger and Vernon Wasson; one sister-in-law, Elaine Brinkley; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley Ann Norman Brinkley; and sister, Sadie Wasson.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, at Reed Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Roger Lyons will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009, at Reed Funeral Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, the Harrisburg Public Library or the Anna Bixby Center. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Condolences may be led at the Obituary Page of the Web site www.reedfuneralchapel.com.