William Louis Brewer

A “Man for all Seasons”, with incredible energy and drive. He was always trying to come up with better ideas. He was born in Palmer, Tennessee on October 27, 1923. He resided there until age 3, when the family moved to Deland, Florida.

The Brewers were grocers and moved to Jacksonville for greater opportunities, when Bill was nine. They moved to the Riverside area and he immediately made lifelong friends. He was good athlete and that was a perfect intro. He attended schools in the Riverside area and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School. He received a full scholar ship to the Merchant Marine Academy in Massachusetts. Upon graduation he became a Communications Officer. Later he transferred to the Navy and served proudly at the Anzio Salerno Sicily Invasions in the Mediterranean and later in the Pacific until the war ended.

Coming back to Jacksonville he married his childhood sweetheart and next-door neighbor, Pauline Dixon. The month before his marriage he went to work with his high school friend Walter McRae, Jr. at Duval Ford. He worked with Walter McRae at Scott-McRae for over 50 years, including 30 years on the Board. Bill was one of the most honored Ford Dealership executives. His area of expertise was Parts and Service.

He created a customer service manual for dealership employees which is still used today. Ford bought the rights to the Manual and he donated the money to create a College Fund for dealership employee children in the Southeast.

He was active in many civic and religious organizations. He was a Baptist Deacon, a member of the Baptist Brotherhood, Board member Tocoa Falls Institute, Jax Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement, FL Prison Ministry, Keep Jax Beautiful, Advisory Board of Clay Electric, Baptist Children’s Home and Lee High Alumni.

On his “Off-time” he played golf, fished, hunted, became a coin collector, wrote poetry, practiced real estate and managed 8 rental properties.

He is predeceased by his wife of 73 years, Pauline. He is survived by his daughter Paula Emery (Rick), a son Forrest Brewer and his only grandchild Christopher Emery. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers feel free to send a contribution to the ARC of Jax or Wounded Warriors.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, June 23, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Service is Thursday, June 24, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205 with Dr. David Tarkington officiating.

Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERSIDE MEMORIAL PARK & FUNERAL HOME. Please leave words of comfort at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com.