Frank Grover Brewer Jr

Frank G. Brewer, Jr., long time business community leader, died July 7, 2010. In the 1970's, he was majority owner and chief executive of Dixie Electrical Manufacturing Company in Pinson Valley. He was born October 4, 1917 in Birmingham. After attending Woodlawn High School, he was graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He served in the U.S.A.A.F. for three years during World War II as a lead radio operator on Martin B-26 Marauder bombers, completing 69 missions over France and Germany being awarded two DFC’s and eleven Air Medals.

He was a lifetime member of Highlands United Methodist Church and served on the Board of Stewards. In his 50-plus years in Civil Air Patrol he reached the rank of Colonel and served for a time as its Alabama Wing Commander. Frank served on the board of Camp Winnataska, active in its continued development projects.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Anne Patton Brewer, brothers Robert R. and Donald A., sister Mary Jane Murkett and a grandson, Jeffrey A. Vines.

Frank is survived by his sister Lela Anne Brewer of Birmingham, daughters Margaret L. Hale and Nina Brewer, both of St. Louis, MO. and sons Frank G. Brewer III of Tampa, FL and Robert P. Brewer of Birmingham, three grandchildren (Wesley Vines, Michelle Manning and Lindsey Brewer), seven great-grandchildren (Josh and Peyton Vines; Shannon, Ryan and Shelby Vines; Sage and Spencer Manning), and five nieces and nephews.

In 1943 Frank’s father, Frank Grover Brewer, Sr. established The Frank G. Brewer Trophy in honor of his sons Frank Jr. and Robert who were both in combat in Europe. Frank Jr. has continued to support this distinguished award which is on permanent display at the Smithsonian Institution’s Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

Upon his father’s death in 1957, Mr. Brewer, Jr. established the Frank G. Brewer Civil Air Patrol-Memorial Aerospace Awards which are awarded annually.

Visitation will be at Ridout’s Valley Chapel in Homewood on Sunday July 11th from 3 to 5pm. A memorial service will be held at Highlands United Methodist Church on Monday July 12th at 11am with burial to follow at Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Friends of Camp Winnataska, Civil Air Patrol or Highlands United Methodist Church. Friends of Winnataska, POB 59514, Birmingham, AL 35259-9514; Highlands United Methodist Church, 1045 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205; “Civil Air Patrol” - Brewer Scholarship Fund, C/O HQ CAP Ms. Marie Vogt, 105 South Hansell St., Maxwell AFB, AL 36112-6332. “Brewer Scholarship Fund” should be listed in the notes section.

Ridout's Valley Chapel directing