Robert Schley Brinson went to be with the Lord on Jan. 17, 2013.

A native of Columbus, Ga., he was preceeded in death by his wife of 67 years, Frankie Lyon Brinson, and a brother, B.A. Brinson.

He is survived by a daughter, Barbara Ann of Leawood, Kan.; a son, Douglas (husband of Lynda) of Mill Spring; a brother, Fred, of Jacksonville, Fla.; and a sister, Lillian B. Marotte of Spartanburg, S.C.; six grandchildren Daniel, Deborah, Jeremiah, David, Robert and Michael; six great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

Robert graduated from Georgia Tech in 1942 and was commissioned a 2LT in the Army. He served in the North Africa and Italian campaigns as an officer in the Signal Corps. One of the notable achievements of the platoon that he commanded was installing a complex antenna on Malta to allow Gen. Eisenhower’s headquarters to communicate with the Pentagon.

Severely wounded in 1944, he was evacuated to the U.S. and spent many months in army hospitals. After recovering and being released from active duty, he began a 32-year career with AT&T, which was interrupted when he was recalled to active duty during the Korean War.

Robert and his wife lived their retirement years in Mount Dora, Fla. He became an authority on rare books and spent many volunteer hours evaluating book collections donated to the public library. In Mount Dora he was known as “Bookman Bob.” After his wife’s death, he relocated to Columbus, N.C.

Robert was a wonderful husband, father and brother. He was dedicated to his family and always put the needs of others first. He was generous with his money and his time. He was always ready to guide, teach and impart wisdom to family and friends. He had a warm smile for everyone.

He is at peace in heaven, but will surely be missed here. A memorial service will be held Sunday, Jan. 27 at 6 p.m. at Sandy Plains ARP Church, 350 Sandy Plains Road.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be sent to woundedwarriorproject.org.