Brian "BAM" Frazier, Sr.

Brian Reynolds Frazier, Sr. (“BAM”), son of the late Rodean (Dean) E. Frazier, Sr. and Beverly J. Reynolds Frazier, was born on September 27, 1964. Bam was the youngest child. His siblings are Rodean Jr. (Poo), Antonia (Mimi), Adreannia (Andi) and Mary Jo (Jo), a special sister and part of the Frazier family.

Bam was a great family man. He married his childhood sweetheart, Kim Butler. Of that union, Brian (BJ) R. Frazier, Jr. was born. BJ was Bam’s and Kim’s gift from God. And, being a father and raising BJ was Bam’s joy! Of course, Bam was overcome with joy, when he became a grandfather to Brinae, Taliyah and Siriyah.

Bam was a man of God who had a strong commitment to his faith in God. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Kennedy Heights Baptist Church. He attended other churches for a period of time, until he found his current church family and long standing church home at Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church.

All the Frazier children had nicknames. Needless to say, Bam lived up to his nickname. He was captivating, energetic, fearless, humorous and tireless. He grew up in the Silverton and North Avondale communities of Cincinnati. Bam, beginning at age 5, played sports: baseball, football, swimming, skating and gymnastics. He was especially fond of playing baseball and football with the KEN-SIL Athletic Organization.

Bam was an exceptional student athlete who attended Cincinnati Public Schools and graduated from Woodward High School in 1982. Bam earned an Associate’s Degree in Social Justice Studies from West Valley College, Saratoga, California, while playing football on scholarship. He then attended Miami University (Ohio), where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management. He attended Northern Kentucky University, Chase Law School, where he earned a Juris Doctor Degree. Bam began his legal career as a Law Clerk with Judge Melba Marsh, Hamilton County Courts and Tax Law Specialist, Internal Revenue Service for the past 17 years.

On April 20, 1985, Bam suffered a spinal cord injury while playing football at Miami University. That injury changed the course of Bam’s and all of our lives for the next 34 years. Bam’s accomplishments after the accident are noteworthy, to say the least. He completed college and law school, was married twice (Kim Butler and Regina Bryant), had a son, and had successful professional and business careers.

Throughout Bam’s life, he, like his father and mother, had strong work ethic and an even stronger entrepreneurial spirit. Bam, as a young man, operated a lucrative t-shirt business. While working full time, he personally owned and participated in the operations of a restaurant and professional maintenance company. Bam dreamed big and pursued his dreams with faith and trust. Bam lived life unencumbered, as stated in this hymn: “Thou are coming to a King. Large petitions with thee bring; For his grace and power are such; None can ever ask too much.”

Bam was active in the community, whether he was coaching his baseball team, conducting workshop Center for Independent Living Options. Bam often invited family and friends to share in community activities, by attending events, serving the community, and supporting charitable organizations. Bam supported the Cincinnati arts community via his love of music by attending shows and concerts throughout the Greater Cincinnati area. He especially liked smooth jazz and his favorite group was Frankie Beverly and Maze.

Bam had a brotherhood and sisterhood of friends that spanned the country, some old and new, and some near and far. He loved and cared for his friends without reservation and they reciprocated in kind. Bam had a contagious smile that made you feel great. People naturally gravitated to Bam. He walked in the spirit and exhibited the fruits of the spirit!

Bam lived up to his father’s expectations of his children: to love Mom; to love and care for each other, no matter the circumstance, no matter the need; and, to always and forever be family!

We honor and celebrate Bam’s life. He left us in body, but he will forever be with us. Together we mourn his precious memories: Mother, Beverly J. Reynolds Frazier. Son, Brian R. Frazier, Jr. Siblings: Rodean Frazier, Jr. (Pamela), Antonia Jones, Adreannia Frazier and special sister, Mary Jo Williams (Barry). Grandchildren: Brinae Skyy Frazier, Taliyah Laniece Frazier and Siriyah Miller. Nieces and Nephews: Dionne Frazier, Eric Thatcher (Britni), Nandi Frazier, Brandon Frazier and Shane Jones. Great nephews: Ardell Barkley (AJ), Eli Thatcher and Eason Thatcher. Uncle: Adolph Frazier (Judy). Aunt: Barbara Smith (Aunt B); and a host of cousins and countless friends.

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