Randall Gatlin Brandon, 80 years old, died August 15, 2022 in his hometown of Camden, South Carolina. He is 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, Oregon, grandchildren Katie and Emma Carter, brothers Dr. Jeff Brandon (Nancy) of Palm Coast, Florida 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 vet clinic serving owners and trainers at races including Laurel, Bowie, Pimlico and Delaware Park. His horse clientele includes not only bread and butter horses but also winners and classic contenders. Randy was very “old fashioned” when it came to giving veterinary advice to his clients when he chose good horses and unnecessary procedures and medications. The horse comes first and if the best medicine of the day is some time of the constituency, 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 Land auctions around the country. From coast to coast, if there was a horse trade, Dr. Brandon would be there.
Although the horse auction schedule keeps him busy and on the road for weeks at a time, he still enjoys planning the mating for his and Kirsty’s little brooding operation. They would be ponies in New York, bred back in Kentucky and then bred 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.
“Dr. Brandon is an integral and highly regarded member of the St. Elias Stables and more importantly, a dear friend,” said Rory Babich, CEO of St. Elias Stables said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Kirsty, his children, grandchildren and other family members during this difficult time. He will miss his many friends, family, clients and devoted dogs.”
Contributions can be made in his memory to the Pure Retirement Foundation (TRF), 261 State Farm Road #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. Details will be announced.
