Robert M. Brissie, M.D.

Nov. 9, 1943-Nov. 9, 2013

Jefferson County's Chief Coroner/Medical Examiner since 1980, passed away Saturday morning, November 9, 2013 at his home in Hoover, AL. He was a full Professor and Director of the Division of Forensic Pathology at UAB, and served as the Sheriff of Jefferson County, Alabama between the terms of Sheriff Mel Bailey and the appointment of his successor.

Dr. Brissie received his undergraduate degree at Furman University in 1966 and attended medical school, graduating from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1970 where he was accepted for a pathology residency. He later served as Deputy Chief Medical Examiner in Charleston, SC, where he provided expert testimony used to convict serial killer Peewee Gaskins.

Dr. Brissie served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Medical Examiners and was a member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the College of American Pathologists, the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, the Jefferson County Medical Society, the Alabama Coroner's Association, and the American Medical Association. He was a past president of the Metropolitan Criminal Justice Executive Association. He provided reconstruction and testimony concerning the deaths that occurred in the bombing of Birmingham's 16th Street Baptist Church.

Dr. Brissie performed autopsies on extremely high profile cases in Birmingham including those involved in the Eric Robert Rudolph case and the bombing that resulted in the death of Judge Robert Vance. He managed the Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiner Office during three severe tornado events involving multiple deaths in Jefferson County. He presented testimony in a landmark case which established bite mark evidence in the State of Alabama with discussion of interpretations of associated patterned injuries on the deceased.

Dr. Brissie lectured and taught extensive coursework pertaining to investigations involving the cause, manner, and circumstances surrounding death including homicide investigations, and he co-authored a publication involving the risk of head injuries and the use of safety helmets during tornadoes. He was the recipient of many honors including the Community Service Award presented by the Injury Prevention Center of UAB, the Person of Vision Award, and the Helen Keller Award.

Dr. Brissie, whose retirement as Chief Coroner/Medical Examiner was to begin January 1, 2014, was an invaluable expert resource in matters of death investigation throughout his career.

Preceding Dr. Brissie in death were his parents, Samuel Carlton Brissie and Allene Mills Brissie, and a brother, George Brissie. Survivors include Bob's loving wife, Nancy Thomas Brissie; daughter, Sara Mills Brissie Olvey; and grandson, Robert Stanley Olvey. Bob also leaves behind his cherished dog, Stella.

A celebration of Dr. Brissie's life will commence at 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2013 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, AL. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chief George Cooley will officiate. Burial will follow in Southern Heritage Cemetery, Pelham. Active pallbearers will be Deputy Coroners Johnny Long, Chris Moore, Phillip Russell, Bill Yates, Mark Stewart, Derrick Perryman, and Jody Jacobs. Honorary pallbearers will be morgue staff and former Deputy Coroners Randy Roper, Barry Franklin, Jack Parker, Jay Glass, Paul Price, Stan Pitts, Ronnie Williams, and Pat Curry.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may go to Alabama Police Benevolent Association, Alabama Sheriffs Association, Alabama Eye Foundation, or a charity of your choice.