Robert Oren McBrayer

Robert O. McBrayer of Huntsville, AL, died Monday, August 10,2026. He was born August 15, 1940, in Atlanta, GA to Paul Franklin McBrayer and Bera Mae Smith McBrayer. He has one brother, Danny Paul McBrayer (Sue) of Carrollton, GA. He married Rebecca Ann Morris McBrayer on June 11, 1960, at the home of his parents in Temple, GA. He graduated, with the Distinguished Alumni Award, from Temple High School in 1958 and graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1962 (class of 1963). He was an Eagle Scout, as were both his Sons. He worked for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for 38 years, from 1963 to 2001, in Houston, Texas and Huntsville, AL. During his NASA career, he worked on Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Shuttle, Shuttle Payloads, and various other smaller NASA programs. He received a patent award in his early career, and received numerous other awards during his career, including two Exceptional Achievement Medals. He retired from NASA as a member of the United States Senior Executive Service in 2001. After retirement, he worked for several companies and then became an aerospace consultant. He served on the National Space Club-Huntsville, AL Board of Directors and was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church, where he held many church positions.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Becky McBrayer; his oldest son Mark McBrayer wife Amanda McBrayer, and their children Avery and Alyse McBrayer of Memphis, TN and Birmingham, AL; his youngest son Michael McBrayer, wife Crystal McBrayer, and their child Dalton Boling of Madison, AL; and his brother Danny McBrayer and wife Sue of Carrollton, GA, and their children Mary Kate McBrayer-Geno and Joseph McBrayer- Francis.

His deepest joys were found in his faith and his family. A devoted Christian, he lived his beliefs quietly and consistently—through daily prayer, regular worship, and a steady kindness that reflected his trust in God. He cherished time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, offering them unwavering love, wise counsel, and a home filled with warmth and laughter. In both his walk with the Lord and his care for those he held dear, he left a lasting example of faithful devotion.

A Memorial service will be held at Legacy Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory, 16 Hughes Road, Madison, AL 35758, on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM, a visitation will be prior the service starting at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in the Asbury Cemetery in Temple, GA, with graveside service. Scott Thackerson will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Samaritans Purse, Tunnel To Towers Foundation, The Salvation Army, Downtown Rescue Mission, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to the North Alabama Food Bank.