Billy Brashear's Obituary
Billy Brashear passed peacefully on June 9, 2023, at the age of 98 in Gainesville, FL. He was born on December 19, 1924, in Cumberland, KY, to Ezekiel and Virgie Brashear, and for 75 years was a devoted husband to his cherished wife Glenna.
After serving his country with honor during World War II as an Army Liaison Pilot, one of the original Army aviators, he continued to pursue his passion for aviation as a private pilot and served on the board of directors of the Gainesville Alachua County Regional Airport Authority.
A lifelong learner, Billy was a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and the University of Louisville Medical School, where he was an Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society member. After moving to Gainesville in 1954, Billy dedicated himself to improving the health and well-being of his patients through his general medical practice and provided care to generations of Gainesville families. He served as Chief of Staff at Alachua General Hospital and on the Blue Cross of Florida Board of Directors. Billy was certified as a Family Practice specialist and was given the Art of Medicine award by the Florida Academy of Family Physicians in 1988.
Billy enjoyed spending time with his family taking vacations throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, several family vacations at Callaway Gardens, and he loved family gatherings at the lake house on Long Pond.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Billy enjoyed sailing, fishing, and his community. He was active in the US Power Squadron, the Hydrilla Circle of the Eastside Garden Club, and was President of the Kiwanis Club of Gainesville. Billy loved adventures and enjoyed worldwide travel with his sweetheart, Glenna.
A man of deep faith, Billy was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville. Billy’s legacy of love, kindness, and devotion will be carried on by his surviving loved ones. He is survived by his wife Glenna; his son Bruce Brashear (Connie); daughters Daphne Brashear Herron (Jim) and Annette Brashear Ball; his grandchildren Amelia Lindsey and Benjamin Brashear, and their mother Judy Brashear; grandchildren Austen Herron and Wilder Herron; step-granddaughters Tanya Sonderby, Stacey Allen, Heather Terricola, and Aria Terricola; numerous great-grandchildren; and his nephew Dan Fraley. He was preceded in death by his father Ezekiel Brashear, mother Virgie Brashear, and son-in-law Danny Ball.
The family would like to thank Billy’s dedicated caregivers, whose loving kindness provided comfort to Billy and his family during the final year of his life.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 14, 2023 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Downtown, 404 N. Main Street. Billy’s life and legacy will be celebrated on Thursday, June 15, at 10:00 am at First Presbyterian Church, 106 SW 3rd Street. A private burial will follow with military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Santa Fe College Foundation, Billy and Glenna F. Brashear Nursing and Health Related Scholarship Fund.
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