Bernard Ross Bricker, Jr., 67, of Russell Springs, KY died May 16, 2026 in Russell Springs. Bernie was born on December 29, 1958 to the late Rev. Bernard Ross Bricker (d. 1975) and the late Jacqueline Virginia Bricker (d. 2025).
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters: Sandy Alexander, Bobbie Knox, Brenda Sue Bricker, Belinda Rogers, and Elizabeth Cox.
From 1979 through 1994, Bernie faithfully served in the United States Army as a Personnel Test Specialist, a Military Personnel Specialist and HQ’s Administrative Specialist. While serving, he received the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. He was honorably discharged as Sergeant.
Upon discharge from the service, he worked for the US Postal Service and the Dana Corporation. After surviving an industrial accident, Bernie was employed in a variety of different concerns. After receiving his BS degree from Campbellsville University in 2014, he especially enjoyed substitute teaching.
In addition to golfing, gardening, fishing with his wife and cooking, Bernie loved sharing his gift of music. While directing and singing in various music choirs and ensembles, bringing music into nursing homes brought him and the residents perhaps the greatest joy. He was named as a Kentucky Colonel for his singing ministry.
SURVIVORS:
His loving wife of 27 years: Teresa Bricker
2 stepsons: Jason and Nick Hadley of Lexington
2 daughters: Kristie (Ronnie) Brown of Hinesville, GA and Katelyn (Will) Sanders of Columbia, SC
2 grandsons: Blake Brown and Mason Sanders
1 granddaughter: Nova Sanders
1 brother: Tim Bricker of New Jersey
2 sisters: Shirley Stacy of Atlanta, GA and Mary Browning of Indiana
Numerous nephews & nieces
"Special nieces”: Debbie Curry, Kim Shepherd, Jennifer Ray and Megan Yancey
Funeral Service: Friday, May 22, 2026 at 10:00amCT
Interment: Russell Springs City Cemetery with military honors by DAV Chapter #51
Visitation: Thursday, May 21, 2026 (his wedding anniversary) from 5:00pm-8:00pmCT
The family requests that any memorial gifts be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and/or God’s Food Pantry, Russell County. Donations can be made at the funeral home.
Pallbearers: Jason Hadley, Nick Hadley, David Royce, Kevin Shepherd, Evan Curry, Travis Miller, Jimmy Bell and Frances Hatfield.
Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfunerlahome.com.
