The Jeff Davis and Appling County communities are mourning the loss of a familiar face and longtime public servant whose career in law enforcement spanned more than four decades. Billy Brewer, 79, of Graham, passed away peacefully Sunday, August 16, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah.
A native of Jeff Davis County, Brewer dedicated much of his life to serving and protecting others. He retired from the Appling County Sheriff’s Office after an extraordinary 44 years as a deputy sheriff — but retirement didn’t keep him away from the work or the people he cared about for very long. Following his retirement, Brewer returned to law enforcement, serving part-time as a deputy in Jeff Davis County, where many knew him through his work providing security at the courthouse.
But the people who encountered Brewer there remember much more than the badge he wore. Jeff Davis County Chief Magistrate Judge Chris Davenport described Brewer as an important part of the courthouse family and a man whose kindness extended throughout the building. “Today, our courthouse family lost a truly special person. Deputy Billy Brewer was always more than our courthouse security officer—he was a friend to everyone. He was always friendly, caring, and looked after every office and everyone inside. Mr. Billy will be deeply missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest easy, Deputy Brewer. You will never be forgotten.”
Those words seem particularly fitting for a man whose obituary describes someone who could make friends with anyone — loving, devoted to his family and pets, and possessing a personality that was affectionately described as a little “rough around the edges.” Brewer leaves behind a legacy measured not simply in his 44 years of service in Appling County and his continued service in Jeff Davis County, but in the relationships formed during those years and the people who knew they could count on “Mr. Billy.”
His honorary pallbearers will include all active and retired law enforcement officers, a fitting tribute to a life spent in service. Hazlehurst Now extends our heartfelt condolences to Brewer’s wife of 55 years, Waunell, his family, his law enforcement family, the Jeff Davis County courthouse family and the many friends whose lives he touched.
Thank you for your service, Deputy Brewer. Rest easy, Mr. Billy.
With respect to Mr. Brewer and his family, Hazlehurst Now is sharing his complete obituary from Swain Funeral Home below.
Obituary of Billy Brewer
