William Raymond "Bill" Brewer

" Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him".

James 1:12

William Raymond Brewer went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, October 7, 2022, at the age of 80 years old.

He was born on June 26, 1942, in Wichita, Kansas and was the son of Robert Benjamin Brewer and Doris Mae Miller Brewer.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Ann Brewer Gafford, brother-in-law Phil Gafford, and brother-in law Doug Hillyer.  Bill is survived by a truly loving family including his wife Rita Schrade Brewer; daughter Kelley Brewer (Theresa), Kathy Smolik (Brent), Carolyn Kopecky (David), Scott Self (Jenny) and Heather Schultz (Josh).  He was the proudest grandfather to Brian Smolik, Will Smolik (Patty), Caleb Kopecky, Callie King (Bryson), Logan Schultz, Jacob Schultz, Katelyn Self and Addison Self.

He is also survived by his sisters, Nancy Hillyer and Elaine Vashey, sister-in-law Patsy Bowers (Bill) and brothers-in-law James Schrade (Mitzy), Steven Schrade (Diana), and Richard Schrade, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill grew up in Arkansas City, Kansas on his family's dairy farm.  He proudly served in the Navy for two years following his graduation.  As a young adult, Bill was an active member of the Jaycees service organization. He moved to Texas in his late 20's where he had multiple careers including a jewelry business, commercial cleaning business and insurance sales.  One of his favorite sayings was "I didn't grow up in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could" and told everyone that Texas was God's country.

Nothing brought more joy to Bill's heart than his family.  He spent his last 25 years in Rowlett, Texas with the love of his life, Rita.  Together they traveled, shopped, laughed, and shared their deep love of family, community, church and friends.

He was passionate about his Sunday School group, Agape, and his close church relationships.  He loved his Lord with all his heart and was happy to discuss the Bible with everyone.  He was kind, had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh.  He was a voracious reader, liked to continually learn and was ALWAYS willing to share his newfound wisdom.  He truly loved his country, lived life with curiosity, optimism and hope for the future.

Bill was a cherished husband, father, grandfather and friend.  He will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.  He was called to his heavenly home much too soon and while we were not ready to let him go, we are comforted by the knowledge that he knew exactly where he was going.  When asked recently how his beliefs had changed since he was a child, he responded:

"I now see the unseen hand of God in my life-WOW"!