Michael “Mike” Anthony Brewer passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the age of 69. On April 16th, 1955, Mike was born to loving parents, William “Bill” Brewer and Anne Hayes Brewer of Greensboro, North Carolina. His childhood was idyllic, a time which he fondly remembered.
Mike graduated college in 1977, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of North Carolina. The following year, he continued with his studies at North Carolina State where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. During the summers, he attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington to be near the ocean.
While in college Mike worked for IBM. After graduating, he was employed by Burlington Industries and Ciba-Giegy, now Novartis, in Greensboro, North Carolina before being promoted to its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland. He spent over four years working around the world as an IT Professional with the group’s companies and corporate headquarters, which he loved. Returning to the USA, he relocated to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, where he changed career paths and founded First Coast Polysteel, setting division records early in the company's history. Later, Mike returned to the IT profession, working for Winn-Dixie (Southeastern Grocers) in Jacksonville.
In retirement, Mike began to exhaustively research holistic health solutions and work on a humanitarian mission of health and Christianity. So as a believer in Christ himself, Mike’s passion for helping others led him to give his undivided time and attention to those efforts. He had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, rising early in the morning to read and research topics of interest, then compiling emails to share with family and friends. Mike’s deep desire for his work to benefit the ones he cared about surely resulted in making the world a better place.
Mike was known for his quick wit, infectious laugh, gifted intellect and genuine nature. He never met a stranger. Ever the adventurer, he loved traveling and experiencing other cultures, routinely opting to see how the locals lived before doing anything “touristy.” The beach was his playground, and he enjoyed early morning walks with his dogs and friends. His four-legged companions were with him throughout his days. Whether it was to work, to lunch, on errands or simply visiting with friends, Mike was never without their cherished company.
At Page High School, he was a star basketball athlete, often making the local newspaper as he was awarded Most Valuable Player and All City his senior year. In his younger years, Mike loved running, snow skiing, volleyball, tennis and baseball. As he got older, Mike enjoyed playing golf. He also loved watching college football and basketball. He even took up gardening with hydroponics and enjoyed bringing in his harvest. Although he never served in the armed forces, Mike was an American Patriot and a Tea Party member. Later in life, he became a gun enthusiast and enjoyed target practice as often as he could on his wife’s family property with the guys.
He is survived by his devoted wife and love of his life, Julie Little Brewer, brother W. Paul Brewer, Jr., sister-in-law Ava Brewer, sister-in-law Kathy Brewer, many nieces and nephews, whom he adored, cousins, and countless friends, plus his faithful Labrador, Duchess. He was predeceased in death by his parents and elder brother, David Brewer.
As Mike often commented, “I’ve lived a great life!” And so he has. Until we meet again….
A funeral was held in Greensboro, NC on Monday, June 3rd and a celebration of life will be held in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to K9sforWarriors.org in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Thank you to everyone that helped Mike during his time of need and showered him with abundant love and support. Your thoughts, prayers, outpouring of love and concern for Mike and the Brewer family has been overwhelming and heartfelt.
