William Brinkley Jr.

William "Bill" Brinkley Jr. of Waunakee, passed away on September 1, 2012 at Agrace Hospice at the age of 87. He was born on May 5, 1925 in Richmond, VA to parents, William and Edna (Hartman) Brinkley. The family moved to Madison, WI when Bill was a young child. He grew up with one older sister, Roberta "Bobye" (Brinkley) Syverson, who continues to reside in Madison.

In high school, Bill excelled in sports, particularly tennis. Bill graduated from Wisconsin High School in 1944 where he met his spouse, Phyllis (Crosby). The couple was married on August 5, 1949. The couple recently celebrated 63 years of marriage.

After graduation, Bill served in World War II in the US Navy and was in charge of the engines on his LST ship. He served in the US navy for 2 years, 8 months, and 17 days. He was selected to join the V-12 education program. He took graduate classes at Marquette University, Lawrence University, and UW-Madison.

Bill worked 40 years for the State of Wisconsin as an engineer for the Department of Transportation. He administrated the sign control program for the state. This was a program implemented by President and Mrs. Johnson to cut down on the amount of advertising signs along the road ways to allow for the beautiful scenery in Wisconsin to be seen. He also gave the weather and road conditions by radio.

Bill was a member of the Christ Lutheran Church of DeForest. He also was an active member of the Masonic Lodge #5, doing postings for new members. Bill and Phyllis shared a love of sailing, having several boats over the years, sailing on the Madison lakes. The couple also shared a love of cocker spaniels, with a dog always being the third member to complete their family. He is survived by his beloved dog, Sable.

Bill is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of Waunakee; his sister, Roberta "Bobye" (Brinkley) Syverson, of Madison; and two nieces, Karen of Anniston, AL, and Janene, of Little Rock, AR. A third niece, Christine preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2012 at 1:00pm at Christ Lutheran Church in DeForest with Pastor Olson presiding.