Elmer Ray Brewer

Elmer Ray Brewer, 87, of Fort Smith, died October 14, 2016 in Fort Smith. Ray was born July 24, 1929 to Hampton and Fern Brewer in Durham, OK. He graduated from Central High School in Oklahoma City in 1947.

Ray always loved cars, motorcycles and anything with an engine and speed. He raced motorcycles in the 1940’s and his love of cars became his lifelong profession and hobby.

He and his dad owned Brewer’s Garage in the 1950’s which later became Brewer’s Datsun in the 1960’s. It was the first Datsun Dealership (which is now Nissan) west of the Mississippi River and opened in 1961. Ray was the first to race the Datsun Fairlady sports cars in the United States. His driver’s competed across the U.S. and won many races at the national level against factory teams and professional drivers.

Later, Ray sold the dealership and moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas in the 1970’s where he sold auto parts in a 3-4 state region. During this time he met Jane, the love of his life, and married her in 1973. After retirement, Ray and Jane moved to the Fin and Feather area of Lake Tenkiller in the 1990’s. They loved this area very much where they had many friends and were very involved in the community. Ray was often found working on all types of engines and always had a classic car or two around to tinker with. Ray and Jane started and helped organize many events at the Fin including the 4th of July Parade and celebration along with many other activities.

He and Jane also made sure all was in place for the Brewer Family Reunion over the last 31 years, the most recent being June of 2016. Ray was a longtime member of the Gore United Methodist Church where he maintained the grass and grounds and volunteered for all their needs and projects.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Hamp and Fern; and his sister, Betty Ann Howell.

Ray is survived by his wife, Jane Brewer. Son, Ken and Bobbie Brewer of Choctaw, Ok and family: Lindsay and Brad Smith, Cody and Melissa Brewer, Tucker and Hunter Davis. Daughter, Carol Ann and Rick Modisette of Choctaw and family: Trent Modisette, Kari Ann and Brittain Wright. Son, Doug and Heidi Brewer of Birmingham, AL and family: Josh and Jena Selfe, Jason Selfe, and Colton Brewer. Daughter, Janet and Dennis Bedene of Ratcliff, AR and family: Mike Titsworth, Jana and Cody Hiland. Daughter, Vicki and Dale Newton of Fort Smith, AR and family: Kelly and Brian Sanders, Justin and Samantha Jarrell. Daughter, Terrell Canada and Ed Raper of Fort Smith, AR and 20 great-grandchildren. Also his Special Family, the whole Fin and Feather Group.

A Memorial service will be held at the Gore United Methodist Church, 4th Street and Winn in Gore, OK 74435 at 11:00 AM, on Monday, October 24, 2016. Services and Cremation are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. A donation may be made to the church in lieu of flowers.

To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com