Dr. Vann Allen Brewster

Dr. Brewster was born on November 13, 1929 in Birmingham, Alabama to the late Virgil Scriven Brewster and Mary Wood Brewster. He often told stories of his childhood as the youngest of four brothers in Cedartown, Georgia. He attended Clemson University for two years, then spent four years at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in 1952. He served as a company commander in the Korean War, was wounded, and received a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Combat Infantry Badge. Upon his return, Vann became an Airborne Ranger and continued to serve as a Ranger instructor. After four years of active duty, he entered the Medical College of Georgia. He enjoyed 12 years as a family physician in Texas. Hoping for more time with his family, he joined industry as a full-time medical director in Texas (General Dynamics), Delaware (E.I. DuPont), Florida (Florida Power), and North Carolina (Duke Energy and IBM). He retired in 2000.

Much of his life, Dr. Brewster was active in church and community service, never forgetting his obligations as a West Point graduate. But it was his calling to be a physician that brought together his sense of responsibility and his compassion for others. Above all else, he treasured time with his family, whom he led with integrity and humor. Friends and family will always remember his depth of character, commitment to his country, faith in his God, and his ability to make us all laugh. He once wrote: “It has been a good life and I have been blessed much more than I deserve.”

He is survived by his wife June Brewster; daughters Noël Humphreys of Charlotte; Joy Brewster and husband Steve Fugikawa of Durham; Holly Brewster of Charlotte; son Grey Brewster and wife Allison of Charlotte; four beloved grandchildren, Bryce Humphreys and wife Christy, Erin Humphreys, Olivia Fugikawa, and Vann Fugikawa; as well as many loving Brewsters and friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife of 42 years Barbara (Babs) Brewster, and cherished brothers Edward, Virgil, and Charles.

A memorial service will be held Friday, October 24, 2014 at 2:00 pm in the sanctuary of Trinity Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends at a reception in the Parlor following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army or Doctors Without Borders.