Bobby Fuller Brashears

Bobby Fuller Brashears, Major General, United States Army (Retired), 89, of 101 Augusta in Williamsburg, Virginia passed away peacefully in his home on February 3, 2024. General Brashears is survived by his three children, Laura (Ron), Robert (Jean), and Thomas (Jill), and their families. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Phyllis AnnMarie Brashears; his older sister Jo; and his younger brothers, Fred, Mac, and Mort. General Brashears was born July 1, 1934, in Cerulean, Kentucky to Earnest Morton and Hattie Pearl Brashears. He is a Distinguished Alumnus from Murray State University, having graduated in 1956. He was part of the first class to ever be commissioned thru the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at Murray and is their highest-ranking graduate. In August of 1963, during his second tour of duty in Germany General Brashears met Phyllis Casale, a teacher with the Department of Defense dependent schools. They were married on December 20, 1963, in Mainz, Germany. Their first child, Laura, was born September 8, 1964. Robert followed almost a year later, August 26, 1965. Thomas was born eight years later, August 31, 1973. Major General Brashears was a true American hero, distinguishing himself over a thirty-five year long career in the United States Army with multiple combat tours to Vietnam. Highlights of his career include command of the 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry, and part of the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam where he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for valor and gallantry displayed in the face of grave danger. In addition, he commanded the 1st Brigade, 24th Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia and served as the Assistant Division Commander (Support) for the 25th Infantry Division. His stellar Army career culminated in July of 1991 as Deputy The Inspector General, Department of the Army, after having served as the Acting Inspector General for nearly a year. After his retirement from the Army, General Brashears guided government programs for multiple defense contractors, including the facilities maintenance contract at the Central Intelligence Agency, until his ultimate retirement in 2003. General and Mrs. Brashears moved to Williamsburg, Virginia in October of 2004. Gen. Brashears will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery. A combined celebration of life for Phyllis and Bobby Brashears will be held at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 104 Norge Ln, Williamsburg, VA, on Saturday, March 9, 2024 (10:00 AM visitation, 11:00 AM service). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.