Gaines Brewer

Gaines Crayton Brewer, 86, of Centre, Alabama passed away peacefully June 25, 2013 at the Cherokee County Health and Rehabilitation Center with his family at his side. Mr. Brewer was born February 16, 1927 in Dadeville, Alabama. He was the youngest son of Alan and Agatha Brewer. He graduated from Dadeville High School in 1945 and from Auburn University in 1963. He and his wife, Sarah Nelle Haynie Brewer, were married June 28, 1946. Gaines joined the U.S. Army during World War II after high school and later went to college, obtained a five year pharmacy degree in three years and made the Dean’s List - no easy feat with a wife and small children, especially after having been out of school for fourteen years. The Brewers moved to Centre in 1963 where Gaines owned and operated Brewer’s Pharmacy for a number of years. “Doc Brewer” as he was called, was well known for his kindness. He frequently opened the drugstore in the middle of the night for his customers and if someone was having a hard time financially, he graciously accepted their offer of garden produce in lieu of payment. Anytime he was at a restaurant, ballgame, church, etc he was greeted and thanked by many former customers who remembered his help in difficult times. Gaines was a concerned citizen and loved his country. A highlight of his life was attending the inauguration of President George W, Bush where he attended a reception with the Diplomatic Corps and attended the inaugural parade from the viewing stands at Blair House, the Presidential Guest House, Although too modest to ever mention it himself, Gaines was an originator of the idea of a new Centre Middle School and played a major role in getting it built. He loved to learn and wanted the children in Centre and their teachers to have a good school. He had an endless curiosity about the world and became an email user and friend to many on Facebook in recent years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved to grow all manner of plants: pineapples, hosta, tomatoes, onions and melons. Planting a garden every year brought him great pleasure and he took such pride in having fresh produce to share with his friends. He loved his yard in the spring with all the gorgeous azaleas and dogwoods. He was an avid fan of Auburn football. He loved watching his youngest grandkids play ball and was so proud of the college educations earned by his older ones. The granddaughters looked forward to his, “Hi, Doll !”, whenever they called him on the phone. He was a true southern gentleman who never let a visitor leave his home without a wave and a “Ya’ll Come”. Gaines was a long time member of the First Baptist Church. He traveled with Carpenters for Christ, helping build and remodel churches. He was active in his community, his political party and was the epitome of what has become known as the greatest generation - the generation that worked hard, loved their family, their country and their God. There is no more apt description of Gaines Brewer. His life touched other lives and he made a difference. The world is a better place for having had him in it. Gaines is lovingly survived by his wife of 67 years Nelle, four children, Elizabeth Wood of Washington, DC, Larry Brewer of Birmingham, Alabama, Brenda Hoyt(Bob) of Boyds, Maryland, and Randy Brewer (Robbie ) of Centre. He is also survived by grandchildren Rob Hoyt, Jessica Hoyt Gibson (Rafael), Allison Hoyt, Lacey Brewer, Molly Brewer and Colin Brewer, great grandson Joey Brewer, nephews Kenneth (Linda) Brewer, and Danny (Rhonda) Brewer. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Grady, Doug, and Willard Brewer and granddaughter Savannah Brewer. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 3 P.M. at the Centre First Baptist Church with Revs. Melvyn Salter and Jim Griffin officiating. Burial will follow in Cherokee Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2:30 P.M. Thursday at the Centre First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church Centre Youth Mission Fund, Centre, Alabama. The family wishes to thank the Cherokee County Health and Rehabilitation Center and Southern Care Hospice for their care and support during this difficult time. PDF Printable Version

Gaines Brewer

February 16, 1927 - June 25, 2013