Boone Memorial Health is deeply saddened by the passing of former BMH Board of Directors Chairman and Director Emeritus, Robert Lee “Bob” Brown. Bob was far more than a board member; he was a pillar of Boone County and West Virginia, a mentor to many, and a friend to all he encountered.
A Life Rooted in Service
Over the years, Bob wore many hats: educator, coach, Board of Education member, scoutmaster, Lion’s Club member, GED instructor, and longtime leader of the Wharton–Barrett Little League, where the ballfield now bears his name. His commitment to young people extended even further through his decades at Eastern Gas & Fuel Company, where he began in 1964 as Recreational Director and Assistant Camp Director at Camp Thomas E. Lightfoot in Summers County. In 1979, he was named Camp Director, overseeing a place that became a second home for countless children, nurturing confidence, friendships, and lifelong memories under Bob’s leadership.
Throughout his career, Bob also served as a Director, Lobbyist, and Community Coordinator for Eastern Associated Coal, Peabody Coal, and Patriot Coal companies. His calling was simple and constant: to lift up his community.
A Gentle Giant with a Giant Heart
Those who loved Bob best described him as “larger than life” and “a gentle giant.” Though softspoken by nature, the words he chose carried weight. When Bob spoke, people listened, because his insight came from a place of humility, wisdom, and lived experience.
Whether he was helping a neighbor, encouraging a student, or working through BMH meetings, Bob gave himself fully to the task at hand. He showed up. He stayed committed. He believed in the people of this community, and he poured his life into making Boone County a better place.
His Leadership at BMH
For nearly four decades, Bob helped shepherd BMH through transformational change as a Board of Directors member. From our beginnings as a county-owned hospital to new hospital and clinic facilities and major service line expansions, Bob’s leadership played a defining role in building BMH into the rural health system it is today. In recognition of Bob’s extraordinary service, BMH’s Employee of the Year Award proudly carries his name.
BMH President & CEO Virgil Underwood reflected, “Bob’s leadership helped guide major chapters of BMH’s growth, from new facilities and expanded services to strengthened community partnerships and a renewed sense of purpose. Bob’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of who we are, and we will all miss him dearly.”
BMH Board of Directors Chairman Tony Hensley shared, “Bob was the steady hand and the compass for our Board for over 30 years. His dedication to this institution and to the surrounding communities was unwavering, and his wisdom set a tone of service that continues to guide us.”
A Legacy That Will Live On
Bob is survived by his daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a community that adored him. He was preceded in death by Mary Sue, his wife of 54 years.
His legacy lives on in the lives he touched—students he coached, patients who benefited from his Board tenure, coworkers he encouraged, and community members he uplifted through decades of quiet, steady service.
At BMH, we will honor Bob by continuing his life’s work: putting our community first, supporting our neighbors, and ensuring that high-quality healthcare remains close to home for everyone in Southern West Virginia.
The imprint of Bob’s life will remain with us always. His example continues to light our path, reminding us that service to others is the truest measure of impact and legacy. From all of us at Boone Memorial Health, we offer our most sincere thanks as we honor a life well lived and a man deeply loved.
