LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Kentucky attorney and former politician, Terry McBrayer, has died at the age of 83 following a five-year battle with cancer.
His daughter, Sarah McBrayer Savarie, posted on FacebookSunday afternoon, "It is with profound sadness I share with you the passing of my dad, Terry McBrayer. My dad was the kindest, most generous person I know. He loved his family, friends, his firm, the Wildcats and fishing - not necessarily always in that order!"
According to McBrayer Savarie, Terry was a lifelong fisherman and UK basketball fan. He was also a lawyer and former politician.
In 1966, he was elected to his first term in the Kentucky House of Representatives, eventually serving as House Speaker Pro Tempore and Majority Floor Leader.
She said the Greenup County native had been battling cancer, and its many complications, for the past five years.
Governor Andy Beshear has expressed his condolences:
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Lexington attorney and former Kentucky Rep. Terry McBrayer. He was a champion for the people, and his service in Kentucky and nationally made a lasting impact. @BritainyBeshear and I lift his family in prayer. ^AB
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) October 11, 2020
In a press release, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said:
“For over 50 years, Terry McBrayer was a force of nature in Kentucky politics. When Terry set his mind on a goal, he refused to be outworked. That’s how a lawyer from Greenup built a national reputation and a lasting legacy. Terry was not only a great campaigner, but also a skilled policymaker. His time in Frankfort saw major initiatives for our Commonwealth’s future. Terry’s contributions can be seen across Kentucky, especially at his cherished alma mater, Morehead State University. We may have come from different sides of politics, but we shared a deep love of our Commonwealth and a determination to help it succeed. Terry was always ready to extend kindness, even to political rivals. Elaine and I will miss Terry’s friendship and leadership in Kentucky. We send our sincere condolences to his children, family, colleagues, and friends."
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 14, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Milward Funeral Home on Southland Drive in Lexington. Due to COVID-19, the funeral service will be private and live-streamed beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 15 here.
A true celebration of Terry’s life will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to his firm in care of Judy Campbell at 201 E. Main Street, Suite 900, Lexington, KY 40507. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tates Creek Christian Church, 3150 Tates Creek Road, Lexington, KY 40502 or The Salvation Army, 736 West Main Street, Lexington, KY.
