Dr. Robert Byron Brashear, age 67, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021 in Bonita Springs, Fla. Bob was born in Middlesboro on May 1, 1953 to the late James Edward Brashear and Flora York Brashear. Bob was a beloved husband to Debra and loving father to Austin and Madison.
He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from UK, as well as an Associate degree in Dental Lab Technology later earning his DMD from the University Of Kentucky School Of Dentistry in 1983. Alongside his wife, Debra, Bob had a long and fulfilling career as a respected dentist in Columbia. He proudly served his community and provided high quality care for 35 years, retiring in May 2019. He was a lifelong member of the UK Alumni Association, American Dental Association and the South Central Dental Society. The past five years he tremendously enjoyed being a member of the Adair County Ambulance Board – respecting and applauding the EMTs commitment to the community.
Bob’s love for the University of Kentucky and all things sports began early in his life, attending football games with his family at UK’s Stoll Stadium. He played sports at Leatherwood High School, baseball being his love. During undergrad and through dental school he participated in intramural sports. He was a competitive racquetball player as well as a certified dive instructor for the Lexington Dive Shop. He was a member of the SACS city league softball team, along with college roommates Rick Vari and Steve Vallance. His stories from the SACS escapades were renowned.
Bob’s passion for sports extended to his sons’ lives, coaching their youth sports teams from T-Ball, baseball, early football and soccer (his love). He was involved with the establishment of a soccer program at Adair County High School, but prior to that he helped as an early organizer and coach with the first Adair County Youth Soccer League affiliated with Lindsey Wilson College and their players. He and Deb developed a close relationship with his student player coach, Benji Djeukeng from Cameroon. Because of this experience, they later became host parents for many international students over the years forming life bonds with the students as well as their families. These include Marie Coy, France; Fausy Rodriguez, Honduras; Eduardo Cinel, Brazil; Aline Decker, Uruguay; Jessica Weyreuter, Argentina and many others. He and Deb were committed to Lindsey Wilson College and their Sports Programs since arriving in Columbia 1984. In fact, if the stadium lights were on at the Walter S. Reuling stadium on Lindsey’s campus – Bob was probably there. Indeed, this was true for basketball and football as well. He and his family also spent many hours boating, tubing and skiing on Lake Cumberland often hosting friends and their sons’ friends.
After retirement in May 2019, Bob enjoyed working and being on his cattle farm with his son Austin – often walking and photographing the beauty of the land. He also enjoyed a Colorado ski trip planned with his sons and nephews a few weeks prior to his passing. Finally, Bob travelled, cycled and simply enjoyed being with his beloved Debra.
Bob is survived by his wife, Debra Arnett Brashear DMD and his two sons, Austin Brashear (Columbia), Madison Brashear DMD and his wife Katelyn (Lexington); by his siblings, James E. Brashear II and his wife Evelyn (London), Jayne McGuire (Charlotte, N.C.), and Karen Miracle and her husband J.R. (Jacksonville, Fla.); as well as his special sister-in law and brother-in law Winnie and Dan Gardner (Salyersville); by several nephews, Byron Gardner and his wife Kimi and their son Thomas (Atlanta, Ga.), Stuart Gardner and his wife Katie (Lexington), Terry Brashear and his wife MaryAnn and their daughter Victoria (London), Paul Brashear and his wife Tammy and their son James (London); surviving cousins are Fred Brashear and Len Brashear (both of Hyden); and by close friend and almost brother Dr. George Frazier (Cynthiana).
Dr. Brashear chose cremation and a Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, March 20 at 1 p.m. at Columbia Christian Church at 206 Campbellsville St. Family will receive friends at the church after 11 a.m. Social distancing will be observed and masks required during visitation and service. Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.
Alternate expressions of sympathy can go to support the creation of a scholarship/award in memory of Dr. Bob Brashear, you can donate either by check or online. For a check, please make the check to UK College of Dentistry and add “in memory of Dr. Robert B. Brashear” on the memo line. The check should be mailed to UK College of Dentistry, Attn: Linda Epling, 800 Rose Street, D79, Lexington, KY 40536. To make an online gift, go to dentistry.uky.edu/giving, click on “Make A Gift”, select the College of Dentistry Scholarship, and follow the directions to make your gift. Please mark your gift as a memorial gift where indicated and note that you wish to recognize Dr. Robert B Brashear.
The service will be live-streamed on Columbia Christian Church Facebook page at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 20.
