Robert E. “JR” Brant, Jr., 44, of Bruceton Mills, passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2025, after a long battle with diabetes and heart disease.
Born February 13, 1980, in Cumberland, Md., he was a son of Bob and Rhonda Kimble Brant.
JR was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Dick and Lola Brant; maternal grandfather, John Kimble; and uncles, Ted Brant and Aaron Kimble.
JR attended Wesleyan Christian High and held an Associate degree in Medical Technician studies, and degrees in Certified Medical Assistant studies. Most recently, he had been working on his Professional Medical Coding certification.
During his career, JR worked as an aircraft lineman at Morgantown Airport, then as a mechanic/technician at several area dealerships. Next, he moved on to Mylan Pharmaceuticals, where he spent several years before cutbacks. After Mylan, he pursued his medical education and worked as a CMA at WVU Medicine.
JR enjoyed life and was known for his wit, humor, guitar playing, and charm. He always brought cheer wherever he went. He developed his love for cars through his grandfather, with whom he spent many summers. He was an avid motorsports fan, and participated in online iRacing events, where he enjoyed many wins over the years. He also developed quite a knack for painting and enjoyed doing it. Growing up, he loved spending summers with his grandparents, particularly the time spent RVing.
In addition to his parents, JR is survived by his daughters, Karleigh Morgan Brant, Raegan Elizabeth Brant, and stepdaughter, Madison Shuttleworth, all of Morgantown. He is also survived by his maternal grandmother, Nellie Kimble-Hyde of Annapolis, Md.; sister, April Higginbottom and husband Phillip of Bruceton Mills; nieces, Hollie and Josie Higginbottom; and nephew, Charlie Higginbottom. Additionally, he had a huge extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends stretching from Morgantown to Cumberland.
Friends will be received at the Upchurch Funeral Home, P.A., 202 Greene Street, Cumberland, Md., from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 18.
A celebration of life service will follow in the funeral home at 2 p.m.
Interment will be in Fort Ashby Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, P.O. Box 5021, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5021.
JR’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He will be dearly missed.
