Preston Lynn Brinson, age 74, of Statesboro, Georgia, passed quietly Friday, November 6, 2026, under the care of Ogeechee Area Hospice.
Preston was born March 27, 1952, in Sylvania, Georgia, to the late Charles L. “Hoot” Brinson and Mardell Jenkins Brinson. He moved with his family to Statesboro while in the second grade and made Statesboro his home and graduated from Statesboro High School in 1970.
Preston continued his education at Georgia Southern College, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. In 1974, he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in finance.
Throughout his lifetime, Preston spent his time in the family grocery business and developed a strong work ethic at an early age. He officially began working at Brinson’s IGA in 1967, when the store first opened, starting as a bagboy and stocker. He continued full-time, throughout his high school and college years, while attending classes. Preston became the store manager in 1977 and remained with the family business until 1994.
In 1995, Preston began a new chapter in his career as grocery buyer for the TJ Morris Company. His knowledge of the grocery industry and dedication to his work led to several promotions, including buyer for the military division, head buyer, and eventually division manager. He continued his career throughout the company’s transition to Nash-Finch and later Spartan Nash.
Throughout his career, he earned the respect of his colleagues through his leadership, extensive knowledge of the industry and commitment to his work.
He was twice elected to the TJ Morris advisory board and also served on the Georgia Food Industry Association Board of Directors, until his retirement in 2021.
Outside of his professional life, Preston served on the nominating committee of the Excelsior Electric Membership Corporation.
He was a man of many interests and talents. He had a lifelong love of history and particularly enjoyed reading about the Civil War, World Wars I and II, and the lives of historical figures.
He was an avid reader and possessed an extraordinary range of knowledge on many subjects.
He enjoyed hunting, woodworking, gardening and working with his hands. He also had a remarkable ability to remember names and faces, often recalling people he had met many years before.
A true Southern gentleman, Preston will be fondly remembered for his knowledge, practical abilities, love of learning and the lasting impression he made on those who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Preston was preceded in death by his brother, Glenn R. Brinson.
Surviving is his wife, Brenda S. Brinson of Statesboro; his son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Ashley Brinson; and his bonus grands, Avery and Hudson.
The family will receive visitors on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home in Statesboro.
A celebration of life service will follow at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home, with the Rev. Hambric Brooks officiating.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Ogeechee Area Hospice, P.O. Box 531, Statesboro, Georgia 30459.
Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory of Statesboro is in charge of arrangements.
Statesboro Herald, November 10, 2026
Sign the Legacy online guestbook at www.statesboroherald.com.