Harold J. Brewer ’74

HB died Oct. 6, 2021, in Columbus, Ga. 

Born in East St. Louis, Ill., with his twin sister, Cheryl, he grew up in Fairview Heights, Ill., where he was deeply involved with his church and sports, leading his basketball team to the state sectional finals and an undefeated football team. He continued playing football at Princeton, but later determined that his love of Jesus and his church took precedence. He completed his history degree while also studying at the Princeton Theological Seminary. 

After graduation he taught at South Brunswick (N.J.) High School while co-pastoring at Liberty Tabernacle in New Jersey. He met his wife, Kathy Ann Byrd, at Twin County Baptist Church, where her father was pastor. They moved back to Illinois, and he planted Cornerstone Community Church and later served on staff with Springbrook Community Church from 1996 to 2007 and then with The Chapel. In fall 2020 he moved to Georgia to help with his son’s company. 

Throughout his adult years, he stayed close with his roommate, Carl Gustafson. HB was known for his hugs and his deep spirituality. 

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kathy; daughters Ana Alikalfić, Joy DeLaere, and Anna Paprocki; son Joshua; and 14 grandchildren.