Ralph Guy Brashear, MD
June 17, 1929 – May 22, 2013
Dr. Ralph Guy Brashear, 83, devoted husband, father, grand-father, philanthropist and friend to many, died peacefully Wednesday, May 22nd. Dr. Brashear was born in Irving, KY and grew up in Dayton, OH. He was the son of the late Robert Lee and Virginia Guy Brashear. He graduated from Wilbur Wright High School in Dayton, OH and joined the US Navy at the age of 17 serving in Japan and the South Pacific. Upon completing his service he returned to Ohio and began college at the University of Dayton receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Biology. Dr. Brashear graduated from The Ohio State University in June of 1960 with a degree in medicine. He completed his internship at the City Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC. Ralph married the love of his life, the late Sarah Jane Newbern in 1956. They settled in Wendell in 1961. Together they opened Wendell Family Medical Center providing over 45 years of care and dedication as he served his community. During his career, Dr. Brashear delivered more than 100 babies at East Wake Hospital in Zebulon. He also performed countless free athletic physicals for Wendell Graded School, Vaiden Whitley and East Wake High Schools where he served as team physician for many years. He was a teaching fellow at the East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine. He also served as Medical Director for Guardian Care in Zebulon for over 30 years. Ralph will be remembered for his love of family and friends and his enthusiasm for life. He enjoyed entertaining in his home, music and travelling. He was an active member of his community serving on the board for the procurement of the Eastern Wake Senior Center. Ralph was a former President of the Wendell Historical Society, a member of the Wendell Chamber of Commerce, The Knights of Columbus and St. Eugene Catholic Church.
A Mass of Resurrection will be offered at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, May 28th at St. Eugene Catholic Church, 608 Lions Club Rd., Wendell, NC.
Dr. Brashear is survived by his children: Beth Brashear Mobley (Jim) of Wendell; Amy Brashear Watson (Mark) of Pinehurst; Ralph Guy Brashear, Jr. (Terri) of Surf City; grandchildren, Cad Castleberry (Jenny), Lacey Castleberry, Maggie Watson, Nicholas Watson, Laney Watson and beloved dog, Barbi. Siblings: Thomas Brashear, Robert Brashear (Ilona), Mary Nora Brashear and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Special friends and caregivers: Zachary Grady, Gwen Powell and James Walton. Along with his parents, Dr. Brashear was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Sarah and his sister, Martha Brashear Cary.
Dr. Brashear was affectionately referred to as “Dr. B” and “Daddy Ralph.” He was a care giver, friend, confidante, companion and surrogate grandfather to many. His joyful spirit will be dearly missed by his family and friends but will live on in the lives and memories of everyone he touched.
The family requests memorials to St. Eugene Catholic Church or The Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org).
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00pm, Monday May 27th at Strickland Funeral Home, 211 W Third St, Wendell and other times at the home. www.stricklandfuneralhomes.net.
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