Brian Douglas Pickens

Brian Douglas Pickens, 54, of Middletown, MD, passed away on November 14, 2025. Born on June 7, 1971, to the late Judy and Terry Pickens, Brian grew up surrounded by family, music, and the outdoors. He graduated from Middletown High School in 1989 and spent 19 dedicated years as a project engineer with the State Highway Administration.

Brian loved creating and listening to music and was a lifelong Grateful Dead enthusiast, especially alongside his brother, Troy. He cherished camping, fishing, and golfing with his dad and brother, as well as time spent with family and friends.

Brian had two great loves in his life. With Rhonda Nowell, he welcomed his first daughter, Brittani Ann, in 1993, and they remained friends throughout the years. Later, with Sherry Waselchalk, he welcomed his second daughter, Briella Jade, in 2015. Being a father — and later “Pappy” to his granddaughter — was his greatest joy.

Brian is survived by his daughters Brittani Santiago (Richard “RJ”) and Briella Pickens, granddaughter Raemi Santiago, niece Hayli Erdmann (Joey Watkins-Turner), great-niece Samiyah Erdmann,Brian leaves behind his beloved aunts and uncles: John and Cindy Pennesi, Tom and Bobbi Boock, Randy and Kathy Pickens, Jay and Ann Pickens, many cousins, and countless friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. cousins, and friends. Special lifelong friends include Mark Kingsbury and Jerry Burgess, who held important places in his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Terry and Judy Pickens; his brother, Troy Pickens; maternal grandparents Duane and Nina Boock of Hagerstown, MD; paternal grandfather Howard Pickens and step-grandmother Lillian Pickens; and grandmother Betty Domer and step-grandfather Richard “Buck” Domer.

We take comfort in knowing that Brian is no longer in pain and is reunited in Heaven with the family who went before him.

A service will be held at J.L. Davis Funeral Home in Smithsburg, MD, on Friday, December 5th at 5:00 p.m.

Arrangements are entrusted to J.L. Davis Funeral Home, Smithsburg, MD. Online condolences may be shared at www.jldavisfh.com.