Charles Brewer

Charles Edward "Ed" Brewer, 72, of Harrisburg, passed away Sunday, September 17, 2017 at home with family by his side.

Ed was born April 27, 1945 at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, NC to the late Vernon Archie Brewer, Sr. and Myrtle Simpson Brewer. He was called Eddie all of his growing up years and later shortened to Ed as an adult. Ed grew up in the Newell Community and went to school at Newell Elementary through the 9th grade. He graduated East Mecklenburg High School in 1963. Ed was a volunteer fireman for the Newell Volunteer Fire Department. He worked for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools in the maintenance department until his retirement in September 1995. After retirement, he and Brenda, along with their son, Chad, started a business repairing mobile offices.

Ed married Brenda Bradley in 1965. He was thrilled to be a Dad, though he was quiet in nature and may not have always shown his emotions, his family was very important to him and he worked diligently to be a good provider. He was also a proud grandfather to two beautiful granddaughters who affectionately called him “Bubba.”

Ed’s home away from home was Holly Bluff Family Campground. He was an avid bluegrass fan, and to the surprise of many, could pick a tune on about any instrument he picked up, but his love was the big dog house bass.

Ed was an active ham radio operator (call sign, KA4BNF), earning his general ticket in 1978. He worked every state in the United States and many countries.

In addition to his parents, Ed is preceded in death by his sister, Beverly Ann Brewer; uncle, Benton (Martha) Simpson; aunt, Alice Simpson (Bud) Jones; and father-in-law Melvin Bradley.

Those left to cherish Ed’s memory include his beloved wife of 52 years, Brenda; daughter, Amy Brewer (Kevin) Kimbrell; son, Chad (Jessica) Brewer; granddaughters, Kathryn and Karissa Kimbrell; brother, Vernon Archie (Nancy) Brewer, Jr.; nephew, Vernon Archie (Peiwen) Brewer, III; great-niece, Victoria Brewer; cousins, Gerald Simpson, Renee Simpson Drummond and Randall Jones; mother-in-law, Ruby Jones Bradley; his campground family; and many friends that have become family.

A service to celebrate Ed's life will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, September 23, 2017 at Hartsell Funeral Home Chapel, 12115 University City Blvd, Harrisburg, officiated by Rev. Harrison Bradley and Rev. Mike Thevenin. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Ed's name to Hospice of Cabarrus County 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081, or Harvest Harrisburg Church, 7155 Hickory Ridge Road, Harrisburg NC 28075.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Brewer family.