Ralph Porter Brewer

Mr. Ralph P. Brewer went to his heavenly home on March 16, 2018, just two months shy of his 95^th birthday. At his passing, in his home, he was surrounded by his wife and daughters. His last words being “I want to go home”. The first born of the late Clyde and Leola (Porter) Brewer, he arrived in Orlinda, TN on May 23^rd, 1923

His young life was fluid, living in several Tennessee cities as well as in Cleveland, OH.  He loved playing football, and had an impeccable work ethic, able to find jobs where ever he was. He became an apprenticed tool and die worker. Before the war, he worked in Nashville, TN at Valtee Aircraft making dive bombers. In 1943, he enlisted in the Armed Services, Army branch, for training as an Aviation Pilot.

He married his life’s love, Peggy Marie Stacker of Adairville, KY on November 17, 1946. Once married, they moved to Columbus, Ohio, where Dad was offered a position at the newly opened General Motors Ternstedt plant. Always exceeding expectations at work, he was eventually promoted to the position of General Superintendent at the Columbus plant.

Never happy to be idle, upon retirement he and Mom traveled widely throughout the US, visiting every state capital. When grounded, they wintered in St. Petersburg, Florida, and for a period of 15 years, they moved to Sun City, AZ.  He was always actively involved in church work, serving as an ordained deacon and Men’s Bible study teacher for many years. He was involved in many civic groups, constantly striving to make the world a better place. At the young age of 80, he started an exercise class for folks in the little town of Adairville, KY, where they usually spent their summers. He remained an excellent golfer well into his 90’s. At 90, a broken hip merely slowed him down for a while. His love of sports included the Ohio State University Buckeyes (football and basketball teams). He never missed watching a game.  He supported and “coached” the teams to many victories. He was also prone to offer the golf pros a tip or two from time to time.

His family joked that he had nine lives.  Last summer, two days after being released from a Hospice in KY, he appeared dressed impeccably, sitting in his pew at the First United Methodist Church of Adairville, KY.  He was determined and tireless. He didn’t know the meaning of the words “I can’t”.  As his health began to decline more rapidly around this past Holiday season, he remained determined to work on the Word Jumble every morning. Throughout the years, he wore out many dictionaries in his attempts to solve the puzzle.  Frustrated on some attempts, he would toss the paper and pen across the kitchen table and say “I just can’t get that 3^rd word!”

There’re no words to express the lasting imprint he left on so many lives. He was generous, kind, quick-witted, fun to be with, affectionate, never one to complain, a man of faith, love, and unconditional love for his family and many others. He had a perpetual twinkle in his eyes and the greatest smile in the world.  We who knew and loved him will always carry him in our hearts—a testament to a life well lived. His laughter will forever remain in our hearts.

He is surived by his wife, Peggy, of almost 72 years, daughters Linda, and Judy (Wiseman), and sons Wayne and Randy.  Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who all loved “Papaw”.

A celebration of his life will be held on his birthday, May 23^rd, in Adairville, KY.  In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Adairville United Methodist Church in Dad’s name.  205 N. Church Street, Adairville, KY 42202