Brand, Hubert Charles, age 75 passed away Friday, May 15, 2020. He was predeceased by his parents, Hubert and Grace Brand; his brother, Gary S. Brand; and his beloved special needs canine companion of 14 years, Georgia Girl Brand.
He is survived by his son John P. Brand (Michelle), grandchildren Emily Ann, Russell and Tommy. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Brand (Cathy); sisters Helen, Kathleen Luck (Wayne), Alice (Gene), and Kay; nieces Olivia Sayago (Luis); Stacey Luck, nephews, David and Daniel Luck.
Charles was very patriotic and served his country proudly for 20 years with the United States Navy. He excelled at his job as an aircraft mechanic and served in missions to include Korea, Japan, Vietnam and other countries. He received numerous letters of commendation for his skilled experience in all areas of transient operations and also trained other Navy personnel. He was commended for his leadership, excellent work ethic and attention to detail, which is extremely important in working on and maintaining the aircraft. He supervised the handling of over 475 aircraft per month. He rose through the ranks quickly, being awarded numerous medals to include the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, numerous good conduct medals and others.
After his retirement from the Navy, Charles wanted to continue his education and teaching others and taught at the Delgado Junior College in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Later in life, he received his Private Pilot’s license to fly his single engine airplane. He loved soaring the skies and would willingly take along another passenger to enjoy the beauty and peace of flying.
Charles had a phenomenal memory and amazed many of his exact recollection of all the details, time and dates of numerous events. He was like a walking encyclopedia, loved history and genealogy. He traced back the family tree and searched cemetery records. He visited cemeteries where distant family were buried. He would purchase and have monuments and grave markers placed on their burial plots when he didn’t see one. He didn’t think anyone should be “unknown” or forgotten.
He loved animals and helped as many as he could. When he was a young teenager, he took in Fuzzy, a very hungry dog. He took his tip money he earned at a local grocery store and bought her can food, which he relished feeding her, making them both very happy.
In his younger years when he rode a motorcycle, the family dog Ranger went along for the ride. It was a fun sight to see and brought many laughs.
Later in life, he became a volunteer foster parent for Friends of Cats and Dogs Foundation in Birmingham. He fostered dogs, cared for, and loved on them until they were adopted in their forever homes. He wanted that for them, but felt sad when it was time for them to go since he had become so attached to them.
He was kind, compassionate, thoughtful and generous, helping others whenever he could.
Later in life, he was faced with serious illnesses and surgeries and fought through many battles. He received excellent care at the Birmingham VA Medical Center and UAB University Hospital and we want to acknowledge them as the professional medical caregivers they are and express sincere appreciation to each and everyone. Also appreciation to the the St. Clair County Veterans Service coordinator, Mr. Wayne Johnson and also too, Mr. Thomas Crowder (Crowder Construction) who timelessly give of their time and expertise to assist veterans and to improve their quality of life and living situations. We also want to express gratitude to Compassus Hospice, Birmingham, in his final days. They were so professional, kind and loving. They took excellent care of Charles and made sure he was comfortable until the very end. We are so thankful for them and his last days were peaceful and prayerful.
In lieu of flowers anyone desiring to do so may make donations in his honor to: American Parkinson Disease Association, First Baptist Church of Moody (his childhood church) 902 Church St. Moody, AL 35004, local veteran groups and organizations, local animal rescue groups and organizations or your favorite charity.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at Kilgroe Funeral Home, Leeds beginning at 1:00PM with burial to follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at Kilgroe Funeral Home, Leeds from 12:30PM unitl 1:00PM. Bro. Brad Moseley to officiate the service.
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