Dr. John Willmott Backer, Sr., DVM, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at the age of 81. Born in Kingsport, TN, to the late Irene Willmott and David Watkins Backer, he was preceded in death by his brother, David Watkins Backer, Jr., his sister, Irene “Bunny” Backer, and the mother of his children, Julia Ann Cowgill.
John was raised in Kingsport, where his family owned and operated Backer Bros. Florists and a stable where Johnny showed horses from a young age. This early exposure instilled in him a lifelong passion for animals. He became a hunter-jumper and steeplechase jockey at a young age, winning the Carolina Cup in 1964 with “Flint Fire.” After graduating from Dobyns–Bennett High School, he attended Transylvania University in Lexington, KY, and later earned his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University in 1969.
John then moved his young family to Columbus, OH, where he taught equine veterinary surgery at Ohio State University before returning to Lexington in 1971. As a partner at Hagyard, Davidson & McGee for over 20 years, he specialized in equine surgery and reproduction.
For many years, Dr. Backer, his brother Jesse, his wife Julie, and his mother-in-law Ann Caskey Cowgill bred and trained thoroughbreds at their home, Bramble Farm, on Winchester Road. Their significant victories as owners were winning The Debutante Stakes with “Pure Platinum” in 1982, and breeding Grade 1 winner, “Dispersal,” winner of the Louisiana Derby, and the Woodward Stakes.
In retirement, Johnny enjoyed playing golf and tennis at the Lexington Country Club with his friends and grandsons. A dedicated sports fan, he cheered on the Kentucky Wildcats while remaining a closet Tennessee Volunteer. A man of faith, he attended Centenary Church where he served as an usher and enjoyed several years of involvement with Bible Study Fellowship.
Dr. Backer is survived by his three children: John Willmott Backer, Jr., and his wife Ashley of Lexington, KY; Lucy Kendrick Cox, and her husband Barry of Campbellsville, KY; Irene Emery Fisher, and her husband Chuck of Chattanooga, TN; and his brother Jesse Backer of Charlotte, NC. He was affectionately known as “D-Daddy” to his six grandchildren: Ann Frances Killebrew, Katherine Backer, Julia Fisher, Charles Cox, Cate Fisher, and John “Jack” Backer, III.
A visitation with the Backer family will be held on Sunday, May 26, 2024, from 3:00 until 5:00 pm in the chapel of Centenary Church with the funeral service beginning at 5:00 pm with the Rev. James Williams officiating. Private graveside services will be held at Oak Hill Memorial Park in Kingsport, TN.
Memorials may be made to Centenary Church at 2800 Tates Creek Road, Lexington, KY 40502 or Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Center at 1841 Paynes Depot Road, Georgetown, KY 40324.
Arrangements are entrusted to Milward Funeral Directors and Woodfin Funeral Chapels.
