Robert David Brackett M.Ed.

Robert David Brackett, known affectionately as Bob to his friends, family, and the countless students whose lives he touched, embarked on his final adventure on December 15, 2023, at the age of 49. Born on a sunny day in Houlton, Maine, in 1974, Bob's journey led him to Clemson, South Carolina, where he became a beacon of knowledge and laughter at Clemson University.

Bob's life was a masterclass in balancing intelligence with humor. He was the life of the party in the world of academia, turning data analysis into a stand-up routine that left his colleagues not only educated but in stitches. For 11 years, he was the Sherlock Holmes of spreadsheets at Clemson University, helping the institution sleuth its way to accreditations with a wit as sharp as his intellect.

Before he became the beloved "Professor Funny bones," Bob ran the most successful Huntington Learning Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Under his leadership, the center didn't just teach students; it became a laughter-filled haven where knowledge and jokes were equally important.

Bob's academic prowess was matched only by his love for video games and technology. He was the rare breed who could discuss complex data algorithms and the best strategies to conquer the latest RPG with equal passion. His ability to connect with students was legendary; he was the Dumbledore of data, the Yoda of youth mentorship.

His family was the heart of his world. Julie Bunton Brackett, his wife, was his player two in life's great co-op game. His sister, Robin Brackett Fitzgerald, was his trusted sidekick in all escapades. Carol Hatch Jones, his mother, was his guiding star, while his nephews Brandyn, Ethan Hermick, Sean, Ryan Fitzgerald, Ryan, Bryce, and Brady Outnac, and niece Emily D Goldson, along with great-nephew Jelani Goldson, formed his personal fan club.

Bob was a man of many degrees, not just the academic kind, but also those of separation from Kevin Bacon, as he loved to joke. His multiple master's degrees were badges of honor, but it was his masterful sense of humor that truly set him apart.

Describing Bob as loving, funny, and intelligent barely scratches the surface. He was a human cheat code to life's challenges, always finding a backdoor to joy and laughter. His legacy is not just in the data he crunched but in the smiles he created and the lives he enriched.

As we say goodbye to Bob, let's not think of it as 'game over' but as leveling up to an unseen dimension. His laughter echoes in the halls of Clemson University, and his spirit remains a guiding light to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Bob Brackett, the man, the myth, the legend, will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

This obituary is protected by the Cremation Society of SC-Westville Funerals, “Project Safe Obituary Program” which has been designed to guard against the unauthorized reproduction or redistribution, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of the funeral home. The Cremation Society of SC-Westville Funerals, “Project Safe Obituary Program” has been established to help the funeral home and the families we serve protect the dignity and respect for the deceased and the Integrity of Funeral Service against any third-party commercialization. The use of this written work is strictly prohibited, whether that be through illegal means of electronically or manually scraping this obituary for monetary or non-monetary gain, from any site where this obituary is posted. Our goal is to stop the gathering of well-intended words of condolences and support on these third-party sites that will never make it to their intended audience at a time when families can use them the most. As with all written works, this obituary is protected under copyright laws, and any infringements will be reported to the authorities and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.