Herbert Haggard Brewer

Herbert Haggard Brewer was born on September 21, 1937, in Waynesboro, Tennessee, the son of the late James Richard and Elsie Smith Brewer.
On February 21, 1959, he was united in marriage to Lillie Lou Hall, who preceded her husband in death on October 29, 2021. 

He served as the administrator at the Wayne County nursing home for 34 years. He was named administrator of the nursing home on March 15th, 1970. The facility had 11 patients and 37 beds. Because of his and Lillie's ability to make everyone feel like family, the facility was full after 6 months with a waiting list. Within 5 years the nursing home was expanded by 42 beds for a total of 79 beds. In 1988, the facility was expanded to a 109-bed facility. The nursing home employed over 100 employees and provided excellent nursing care for the elderly in Wayne County. Fellow Administrators across the state in the Tennessee Health Care Association (THCA) elected him vice-president of Governmental Facilities for 8 years placing him in a position for quality improvements in nursing home care statewide. He served as president of the THCA Nashville district for 2 years and was appointed by Governor Don Sundquist to serve one term on the State Licensing Board that governs all nursing homes in the state.  His greatest professional honor came in 1988 when he was awarded the THCA's Distinguished Service Award as Administrator of the Year.

In 2001, Herbert and the Wayne County Hospital Board were instrumental in getting an assisted living facility built in Wayne County, which he managed in addition to the nursing home. He found great pleasure and pride in his work. He loved every minute of being with the residents and making sure they were happy and entertained.  He would meet them at the breakfast table each morning and pour their coffee, tell them jokes, and also tall tales. He led singing every week at both facilities until his passing.
He served as a Wayne County commissioner for over 35 years and served on various committees. He served the community in many capacities.
He was a loving father and husband and loved his extended family dearly. The highlight of his year was hosting an annual family reunion at his farmhouse. He believed in keeping the family close and together.

Herbert departed this life on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at the age of 85 years, 6 months, and 15 days. 

He is survived by his daughter, Darlene Brewer; sister, Willodean Lipscomb; grandchildren in love, Tyler Rice, Austin Rice, and Preston Rice; great-grandchildren in love, Rhemi-Anne (Raggedy Anne) Rice, Emmarie Rice, and Cleo Rice; Rohan and Esha Veeramachaneni as well as a host of dearly loved nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his wife and parents, Herbert was preceded in death by his daughter, Deborah Sue Brewer; grandchild, Cammi Dee Brewer; sisters, Jewell Brewer and Edna Gresham and Ophelia Sullivan; brothers; Donald Brewer, James (Shorty) Brewer, Rex Brewer, Harry Brewer, and Arlen Brewer.

Pall bearers are Eddie Brewer, Steve Brewer, Mike Brewer, John Bentle, Bill Gresham, and Terald Gresham. Honorary pall bearers are Tyler. Rice, Austin Rice, Preston Rice, and Robert Lipscomb
 
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 10,2023 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Waynesboro, TN, and on Tuesday, April 11,2023 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm service time at First United Methodist Church in Waynesboro, TN.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 11,2023 at 1:00 pm at First United Methodist Church in Waynesboro, TN with Adam Rush and Casey Jones officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Gardens of Waynesboro in Waynesboro, TN. Shackelford Funeral Directors assisting the family.
 
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First United Methodist Church, Janet J. Smith Foundation, the Butterfly Foundation, or a charity of your choice.

Service will be live streamed https://www.facebook.com/events/223692340251254