Gary Jackson Brinson

Gary Jackson Brinson, 74, of New Bern, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026, at The Gardens of Trent.

Gary was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, faithful servant, and a friend to many. He lived his life by the Golden Rule, treating others with the same kindness, generosity, and respect that he hoped to receive in return. He had a genuine willingness to help others and was known throughout the community for his caring heart and generous spirit.

A graduate of Pamlico County High School, Gary dedicated 45 years of his life to the banking industry. He began his career as a teller and worked his way through numerous positions, ultimately advancing to vice president. Throughout his years in banking, Gary became much more than a banker to the people he served. He helped many individuals and businesses take their first steps toward achieving their dreams, including providing some with their very first loans. His knowledge, honesty, and willingness to help made a lasting difference in the lives of countless people throughout the community.

Gary was a lifelong member of Rock of Zion Original Free Will Baptist Church, where his faith was an important part of his life. Over the years, he faithfully served his church as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, choir member, and church treasurer. He loved his church family and found great joy in being involved in its activities and serving others.

Those who knew Gary will remember many things about him, but perhaps most of all, they will remember his wonderful sense of humor, his generosity, and his dependability. Gary was famously punctual—if he was supposed to be somewhere at a certain time, everyone could count on him being there 15 to 20 minutes early. He believed in doing things the right way and being there when people needed him.

Outside of work and church, Gary enjoyed building houses and trading cars. He loved hunting, boating, and traveling, but some of his greatest enjoyment came from simply spending time with his family. He was a proud grandfather who loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and cheering them on. Whether gathered around the dinner table, traveling together, attending a ballgame, or participating in church activities, Gary treasured the time he spent with those he loved.

Gary’s life was one of service, faith, hard work, and love. He leaves behind a legacy not only in the family he cherished, but also in the many lives he touched through his career, his church, and his kindness to others. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand, and his influence will continue through the countless people who were fortunate enough to know him.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Carol Brinson; his mother, Frances Brinson; and his sister, Phyllis Banks.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 53 years, Sharon Hardison Brinson; his daughters, Kimberly Brinson Potter and husband, Derek, and Megan Brinson Harper and husband, Benny; his grandchildren, Hunter, Dylan, Bryce, Khloe, and Madison; his nephew, Freddie Ethel and wife, Kelly; and his great-niece, Ryleigh Ethel.

A funeral service will be held at Daniels-Sadler Funeral Home on Sunday, September 13, at 3:00 p.m., with the Rev. Ray Lewis officiating. Private interment will follow in Grantsboro Cemetery.

The family will receive friends and relatives one hour prior to the service at Daniels-Sadler Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rock of Zion Original Free Will Baptist Church, PO Box 381, Grantsboro, NC 28529 in Gary’s memory.