William Brashears

Bill Brashears, 83, of Spartanburg, SC, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 27, 2014, at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Born September 23, 1930, in Pulaski, TN, he was the son of the late Noah Robert and Helen Emily Keeter Brashears, and husband of the late Ovida Roe Brashears. Known to many as Chief, Papa, and Papa Bill, Mr. Brashears was a veteran of the U. S. Navy aboard the USS Tortuga LSD-26 during the Korean War from 1951-1955. He was a member of North Spartanburg First Baptist Church where he served as an usher and was ordained as a Deacon while a member of Whitney Baptist Church. Also a member of Whitney Masonic Lodge, he served as Master in 1974 and Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge 2011-2012, and was a Hejaz Shriner and member of Hillbilly Clan #2. Bill was a member of the Whitney Fire Department where he served as Assistant Chief and then Chief from 1981-1994. He was a member of the Fire Chief Association and was currently serving as commissioner for the department. He retired after working for Spartanburg Water Works, Texaco, and Spartanburg School District 7. Surviving are his children, Emily Brashears, Lynn Tipton, Tommy Brashears (Kim), and Kasey Smith; grandchildren, April Breland (Brian) and Katie Vassey (Joshua); great-grandchildren, Taylor Smith, Harley Breland, Jaidyn Vassey, and Seth Vassey, all of Spartanburg, SC; and special friend whom he called son, Jim Schulties (Debbie). Visitation will be 5:00-8:00 PM, Saturday, March 1, 2014, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Masonic rites will be performed by Whitney Masonic Lodge, followed by funeral services at 3:30 PM Sunday, March 2, 2014, at the Chapel, conducted by the Rev. Arnold Becker. Burial will be in Spring Hill Memorial Gardens, 1011 S. Alabama Ave., Chesnee, SC 29323. Pallbearers are members of Whitney Masonic Lodge. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605. The family will be at the home of Lynn Tipton. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of William Edward Brashears please visit our Sympathy Store.