Jacksonville native Charles Cleveland Brew Ely, III, died peacefully on Saturday, July 13, 2013 after a short illness. Brew was born on June 25, 1924 in St. Vincent's Hospital, and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1942. After a tour in the Army as a glider trooper in the 13th Airborne Division during which he saw action in the Battle of the Bulge and earned his Combat Infantryman Badge, Brew graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Business Administration where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. Upon graduation, he joined the Navy, eventually earning the rank of Lt. Commander. Brew worked for many years with Dun & Bradstreet, and was also the owner and proprietor of Brew's Bistro, a short-lived, but well-loved restaurant in Fairfax Manor. Brew had a variety of interests throughout his life. He was a crafty tennis player, and an avid sailor who captained the infamous Rusty Bucket in Thistle races throughout the Southeast. He was a great lover of animals and while playing the clarinet, would often be accompanied by his howling dogs who sang along with the music. Brew was a longtime member of the Florida Yacht Club, the Friars Club, and a fan of all sports, particularly his beloved Florida Gators. Brew is survived by Gayle, his wife of 47 years, two sons, Bradley Montgomery Ely and Charles Davis Ely (Maureen), one daughter, Frances Ely Wilhelmsen (Don), and five grandchildren, Blythe, Maggie, Alex, Katherine and Meghan. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Jacksonville Humane Society. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Hardage-Giddens Edgewood Funeral Home, 729 Edgewood Ave., Jacksonville, FL. 32205. Please Sign the Guestbook
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