Randall Gatlin Brandon, 80 years old, died August 15, 2022, in his hometown of Camden, SC He was the son of the late Gatlin Randall and Frances Johns Brandon. Randy is survived by his wife, Kirsty May Brandon; daughters Julie Carter (Andrew) and Lisa Boyle, both of Portland, Ore; Katie and Emma Carter’s grandchildren; brothers Dr. Jeff Brandon (Nancy) of Palm Coast, Fla., and Kyle Brandon of El Paso, Texas.
He graduated from Washington State University and later interned at Auburn University. After completing his internship, he was a member of the Teigland Vet Corporation in South Florida, where he competed in Thoroughbred races at regional racetracks.
The following year, Randy moved to Maryland, where he established his own veterinarian practice serving owners and coaches at racetracks, including Laurel ParkBowie, Racecourse Pimlicoand Delaware Park. His equestrian clientele includes not only bread and butter horses but also winners and classic contenders. Randy is very “old-fashioned” when it comes to giving veterinary advice to his clients, as he has opted for good riding over unnecessary procedures and medications. The horse comes first, and if the best medicine of the day is the voter’s turn at some point, that’s what he prescribes for the horses.
After 30 years on the track, Randy sold his practice and made South Carolina his home. The focus of his vet practice turns to assisting his clients with their pre-purchase needs at Pure Auctions around the country. From coast to coast, if there was a horse trade, Dr. Brandon would be there.
Although the auction schedule kept him busy and on the road for weeks at a time, he enjoyed mating planning for his and Kirsty’s young chicks, which brought them Lots of prize money from New York ponies that competed and won on the New York racetrack. They would be ponies in New York, bred back in Kentucky, and then raised to be sales monkeys at their Dixie Ranch in Camden. He enjoys watching his hybrids develop under his watchful eye and Kirsty’s attention to detail. Whenever there is an open week, Randy enjoys hunting and fishing with his colleagues. He loves and appreciates the outdoors and all that comes with it.
He will miss his many friends, family, clients, and devoted dogs.
Contributions can be made in his memory to Pure Retirement Foundation, 261 State Farm Rd. #8200, Rembert, SC 29128 or to New Vocations, 719 Dolan Lane, Lexington, Ky. 40511 (newvocations.org).
The celebration of life is scheduled for Sunday, October 2, at the Fasig-Tipton sales booth in Timonium, Md. Details will be announced.
This press release has been edited for content and style by the BloodHorse Staff.
