Leo Donald Brevard, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died peacefully on December 22, 2013. He was born December 20, 1921 to Hugh Brevard and Jessie Corn Brevard, the last of eight children.
Mr. Brevard is survived by Eleanor Greene Brevard, his wife for 66 years; his daughters Roxanna Hoffman of Marion, N.C. and her husband Terrill A. Hoffman, and Dinah Mann of Raleigh, N.C. and her husband Stephen Mann. In addition, he is survived by three grandchildren, Amber Couch of Harrisburg, N.C. and her husband Jason Couch, Bradford Taylor of Harrisburg, N.C., and Allison Mattingly of Phoenix, Ariz. and her husband Aaronn Mattingly and her children, Charity and Conner.
Mr. Brevard was preceded in death by all his siblings.
After graduating from Edneyville High School, he attended Brevard College and Appalachian State Teachers College. His education was interrupted when he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marines and served proudly with the 5th Amphibious Tractor Battalion in the Pacific Theater during WWII. First Lieutenant Brevard participated in the amphibious landings at IWO JIMA where he went on to command Company “A” during the battle.
At the conclusion of WWII, Mr. Brevard resumed his education at Appalachian State Teachers College where he earned a BS degree in Biology and History, as well as playing Left Guard for the Mountaineers football team. He then began his career as a biology teacher and coach. During his tenure at Valdese High School, his football and basketball teams were always competitive, especially the 1960-61 basketball team that won the Northwestern Conference regular season and tournament. His life was interrupted again by the Korean War when he was recalled to active duty. He served as an instructor at Camp Lejeune.
Mr. Brevard returned to teaching but continued to serve his country with the rank of Major in the Marine Corps Reserve. He completed his career at South Mecklenburg High School when he retired in 1983. While steadfast in his duty to his country and dedicated to his teaching career, Mr. Brevard’s passion was forestry. Mr. & Mrs. Brevard began acquiring land in McDowell County in the early 1960’s, and for over 45 years Mr. Brevard spent his spare time initiating forest management to improve the quality of the family forest. In addition to being a Certified Tree Farmer, and Certified Stewardship Landowner, Mr. Brevard was the recipient of the 2008 North Carolina Tree Farmer of the Year. He felt that it was his purpose to improve the property not only for timber production, but also for the improvement of wildlife, recreation, and conservation.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM, December 24th at Providence Bapt. Church. Visitation will follow. A graveside service will be held at Glenwood Cemetery in McDowell Co. at 1:00 PM December 26th.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Alzeheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011 or to a charity of one’s choice.
McEwen Funeral Service – Charlotte Chapel is serving the family. Online condolences and notes of sympathy may be made at www.mcewenfs.com.
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