Russell Brinson
September 13, 2023Russell A. Brinson, 91, of Cleveland, TN passed away on September 10, 2023. He was born on July 8th 1932 in Coolidge, GA to the late Roscoe and Luna Brinson, who raised him up in a loving Church of God home.
Russell met his wife Dorcas at Lee College in 1951 and married August 29, 1952. In 1953 they began their lifelong Church of God ministry by serving in Florida as Evangelist. He soon began his pastoral ministry in Florida pastoring in Branford, Cross City, and Winter Garden. While in Florida, he also served on the Florida Church of God State Camp Meeting Music Committee and on the Florida Church of God State Youth Board.
After serving the Church of God faithfully in Florida, Russell and Dorcas continued their ministry in West Virginia as the State Youth Director. He then pastored in Norwood, Ohio followed by Portland, Oregon before being appointed as State Overseer of Alaska (1969-1974) and then Washington (1974-1978). While serving as the State Overseer of Washington, Russell Brinson also served on the Board of Directors for West Coast Bible College (1974-1976).
After serving many years on the west coast, Russell Brinson was appointed State Overseer of Pennsylvania (1978-1982). During this time he also served on the Church of God World Missions Board (1976-1984). Following his time in Pennsylvania, Russell & Dorcas Brinson moved to Huntsville, Alabama to pastor what was then Pulaski Pike Church of God before concluding his pastoral ministry in Willard, Ohio.
Russell Brinson spent the next 20 years serving the Church of God as a World Missions Representative (1984-2004) raising financial support and awareness for the Great Commission work of the Church of God around the world.
God blessed Russell and Dorcas, his wife of 69 years, with two children: Russell Terrell Brinson (Debbie) and Tonna Prater (Dale); four grandchildren: Brock Bruce (Heather), Brooke Lee (Patrick), Terrah Holcomb (Benjamin) and Tyler Brinson (Diana); and 11 great grandchildren: Miah Lee, Elleson Bruce, Isabella Lee, Carter Bruce, Emmalyn Lee, Willa Rose Lee, Tenlee Holcomb, Raynah Holcomb, Gideon Holcomb, Savannah Brinson, and Parker Brinson.