Robert Brantley Burrow (1934 - 2019)

Born 29 Jun 1934 in Malvern, Hot Spring, Arkansas, United States

Ancestors

Died 3 Jan 2019 at age 84 in Franklin, Williamson, Tennessee, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Jimmy Honey [send private message]

Biography

Robert Burrow is Notable.

Robert "Bob" Brantley Burrow is a notable figure for his exceptional contributions to both sports and education. As a standout basketball player at the University of Kentucky and in the NBA, he earned recognition as a skilled scorer and rebounder, earning All-American honors and leaving an indelible mark on the court. Equally remarkable is his enduring commitment to public education, which led to a successful career in teaching and eventually serving as the superintendent of public schools in Fort Knox, Kentucky. Bob's legacy reflects a rare combination of athletic excellence and a lifelong dedication to shaping the minds and futures of countless students, making him a truly exceptional and celebrated individual.^[1][2]

Robert "Bob" Brantley Burrow was born on June 29, 1934, in the picturesque town of Malvern, nestled in Hot Spring County, Arkansas.^[1] He was the beloved son of Martin Edward Burrow and Decie Lucile (Sulton) Burrow.^[3]

Young Bob's early years were spent in the charming Gilford Township of Hot Spring County, Arkansas, where his family called home in 1940.^[4] As a teenager in 1950, he lived on Loop Road in Big Creek Township, Hot Spring County, and devoted his time and energy to working as a dedicated farm laborer on the family farm.^[5]

Bob's journey to greatness took an exciting turn when he was awarded a prestigious scholarship to play collegiate basketball at the University of Kentucky. He became a formidable force on the basketball court, showcasing his incredible skills as a power forward and center. A remarkable achievement would mark his junior year, as he set a single-game program record by grabbing an astonishing 34 rebounds in a game against the formidable Temple University. This feat earned him the title of "the original Mr. Double-Double," a fitting description of his prowess as both a scorer and a rebounder. His talent did not go unnoticed, and he received All-American honors after each of his outstanding campaigns with the Wildcats.^[1]

In 1956, Bob's basketball journey continued to flourish when the Rochester Royals when selecting him in the NBA Draft, being the 8th overall pick in the 2nd round. He would play for the Royals from 1956 to 1957, and later joined the Minneapolis Lakers from 1957 to 1958, making his mark in the NBA with 81 games played. During his professional career, Bob notched 459 points and secured 180 rebounds, leaving a lasting legacy on the court.^[1]

Yet, Bob's heart was not solely dedicated to basketball; he had a deep passion for public education. In the fall of 1958, he embarked on a multi-decade career that encompassed both teaching and coaching. This dedication culminated in his retirement as the superintendent of public schools in Fort Knox, Kentucky, in 1997.^[2]

Bob's achievements in the world of basketball were marked by accolades, including being a consensus second-team All-American in 1956 and receiving Third Team All-American - AP recognition in 1955. His contributions to education were equally significant, as he tirelessly worked to shape the minds and futures of countless students.^[1]

Sadly, on January 3, 2019, at the age of 84, Robert "Bob" Brantley Burrow passed away, leaving behind a legacy that spanned both the hardwood and the classroom. His memory continues to be celebrated by those who knew and admired his remarkable achievements in sports and education, and his name remains synonymous with excellence and dedication.^[1][6] He was buried at Williamson Memorial Gardens in Franklin, Williamson County, Tennessee.^[7]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5} Wikipedia contributors, "Bob Burrow," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bob_Burrow&oldid=1157897033 (accessed September 11, 2023).
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} Dr. Reising, Robert, 501 Life Magazine, 25 Oct 2018, "Hot Spring County: Bob Burrow." Accessed 10 Sep 2023.
3. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, The Dawson Springs Progress, 11 Jun 1959, Thu. - Page 5. "Miss Lelia Ann Holeman Is Married to Mr. Robert B. Burrow on May 30." Accessed 10 Sep 2023.
4. ↑ 1940 United States Federal Census: Year: 1940; Census Place: Gifford, Hot Spring, Arkansas; Roll: m-t0627-00141; Page: 7B; Enumeration District: 30-16 Ancestry Record 2442 #100448908
5. ↑ 1950 United States Federal Census: National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: Big Creek, Hot Spring, Arkansas; Roll: 512; Page: 3; Enumeration District: 30-3 Ancestry Record 62308 #30918087
6. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, Lexington Herald-Leader, Lexington, Kentucky, 13 Jan 2029, Sun. - Page B4. "Bob Burrow Remembered." Accessed 10 Sep 2023.
7. ↑ Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/195788757/robert-brantley-burrow: accessed 10 September 2023), memorial page for Robert Brantley -Bob- Burrow (29 Jun 1934–3 Jan 2019), Find A Grave: Memorial #195788757, citing Williamson Memorial Gardens, Franklin, Williamson County, Tennessee, USA; Cremated; Maintained by bbarnhill (contributor 47395133).

See Also

• Wikidata: Item Q3641274