Dr. Brian Douglas Prowell
February 12, 1967- April 28, 2025
Dr. Brian Douglas Prowell, 58, passed away on April 28, 2025, in Auburn, Alabama. Brian’s
life was marked by deep devotion to his family and a steadfast presence among those who
knew him.
Brian was born on February 12, 1967 in Shiremanstown, Pennsylvania and graduated from Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School in 1985. He graduated from Pennsylvania State
University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1990. He completed his Master
of Science in Civil Engineering in 1992 at Virginia Tech where he met his wife, Marcia Votour.
Brian famously turned in his thesis mere hours before marrying Marcia on August 15, 1992.
Upon graduation, Brian worked at the Virginia Transportation Research Council where he
conducted asphalt pavement research, assisted local asphalt contractors and inspired
countless others with his instruction and speaking engagements. In 2001, Brian and
Marcia moved to Auburn, Alabama where Brian worked for the National Center for Asphalt
Technology (NCAT) as the Assistant Director. Those early years working at NCAT were very
busy ones as he and Marcia welcomed two children into their family while Brian worked full
time and completed his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at Auburn University. In 2007, Brian and
Marcia started their own consulting firm where he loved helping clients with their asphalt
projects.
Brian loved to be physically active and outdoors. Brian was an Eagle Scout and truly lived
the scout oath and law. He was dedicated to his family and was an active presence in his
kids’ lives. When they were young, he came home for lunch every day just to spend more
time with them. He was an active leader in his son’s Scout troop and spent eight years
coaching both of his kids on the Auburn Mountain Bike team. In addition to coaching them, he loved to race with them in endurance races. He was never more proud than when his
kids became faster than him, although he worked and trained hard to prevent that from
happening. He was happiest biking, hiking and camping with his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Marcia; his son, Ben Prowell; and his daughter, Katie
Prowell. Brian also leaves behind his brother Matt (Heather) Prowell; his mother-in-law
Carol Votour; his sister-in-law Susan (John) Martin; niece Emma Rose Prowell; and
nephews Josh Martin, Dillon Martin, and Jake Martin. He was preceded in death by his
parents, Harry and Judy Prowell.
A memorial service to honor Brian’s life will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 4:00 PM
(reception to follow) at Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 446 S Gay Street in Auburn,
Alabama. A visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM prior to the service. In lieu of
flowers, donations can be made to the Food Bank of East Alabama.