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John Brewer Obituary

John Brewer

Madison

John (Johnny) Lee Brewer Sr., 74, died Friday afternoon May 27, 2011 of complications from a terminal illness at St. Catherines Village in Madison, MS. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 2:00 pm at Woodlawn Baptist Church 2310 Culkin Road, Vicksburg, MS with a reception to follow the service in the fellowship hall at Woodlawn. Memorials may be made to Woodlawn Baptist Church in honor of Johnny Brewer. Johnny was born on March 8, 1937 to the late George and Ruby Brewer. He was preceded in death by a sister Catherine Hancock, and a brother Arnold Brewer.

Mr. Brewer graduated from Redwood High School, where he lettered in four sports as one of the schools all time greats. Following high school, he attended Ole Miss from 1956-60 where he was part of two national championship football teams and named All SEC and All American. After college, he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns with the 41st pick. The team won the World Championship in 1964 and he was named All Pro in 1966. He finished his career with the New Orleans Saints from 68-70. Mr. Brewer was inducted into the Ole Miss Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. After football, Mr. Brewer moved on to a long career in the insurance industry.

He is survived by his wife Anita Wood Brewer of 46 years; daughter, Jonnita Barrett and her husband Chad of Clinton, sons, John Brewer Jr. and his wife Crissy of Vicksburg, and Sean Brewer and his wife Margaret of Ridgeland, 4 sisters, Louise Ellis and her husband George, Mary Checkler and her husband Kerry, Alice Brewer, and Shirley Brewer, 10 grandchildren, Tyler and his wife Katia, Fallon, Drake, and Ariana Barrett, John Lee, Hanna, Christopher, and Austin Brewer, and Abney and Macey Brewer, and numerous nieces and nephews

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Clarion Ledger on Jun. 1, 2011.

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George Blair

June 6, 2011

Sorry for being late but wanted to tell you how sorry we are about your loss. Johnny and I were freshmen together and played together in the Senior Bowl and College All-Star game in Chicago. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

Walter Michel

June 5, 2011

I was blessed to meet Johnny at St. Catherine's Village. On my frequent visits to see my Mom on the same floor, I passed Johnny's room each time. He always smiled when I gave him updates on Ole Miss football, and told him Hotty Toddy. I am so glad I was able to meet your fine father, Sean. My thoughts are with the Brewer family.

Amy Wisdom Ainsworth

June 4, 2011

Jonnita, I'm so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. You & your family are in my prayers.

ronald stratton

June 4, 2011

May god keep you in his arms!

David Hopp

June 4, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Brewer's wife and family at this most difficult of times... I, my Browns Backers Chapter and Cleveland Browns fans all over have lost another of the family of the great Championship team of 1964 and appreciate the diligence, and determination that Johnny contributed to not only the team but the fans and city of Cleveland during his time there. May he rest in peace...

Dana Sanders, Sr.;

June 2, 2011

Of course, my prayers are with you, Anita and all the rest of the family. I didn't know Johnny as an athlete, but as a great Christian friend, and Johnny was my crappie fishing buddy. We had some great times together. It was my priviledge and pleasure to have been Johnny's Sunday School teacher at Woodlawn for several year. I know I'll see him again soon.

Gary & Jo Ann Hodges

June 2, 2011

It is never easy to see our loved ones go but the Lord has promised to be with us in our sorrow. Pray you will feel His presence during this time.

Ronda & Jamie Kelley

June 2, 2011

Our thoughts & prayers are with Anita & all of Johnny's family. May you find comfort & everlasting peace from God's loving arms at this difficult time

Don Dickson

June 2, 2011

May God be with you in this time of grief.

Mike Mallory

June 1, 2011

Johnny was a personal hero of mine while I was growing up in Vicksburg in 50s and 60s...He was and will continue to be an all-time Ole Miss great. May God rest his soul

June 1, 2011

I played with Johnny in the Ms. High School High School All Star game in 1956 . I played for MSU . I always throught of Johonny as a great pearson . Thanking of you BuckKennedy.

Don Sheffield

June 1, 2011

It was an honor to know Johnny and get to be around him between 1958 thru 1960 at Ole Miss. I still remember his 3 TD catches in the 1960 Tulane game. Number #81, All-SEC, All-American and Ole Miss Hall of Famer, is going to be greatly missed but his memory will always be with those of us he touched. I pray that God fill the void in each of your lives.

June 1, 2011

I was two years behind Johnny on the Ole Miss team and I have always said he was the greatest End to ever play at Ole Miss. Furthermore, he was a friend to everyone and the ideal team player, and role model for all teammates. Ned Wilford
Dalton, Georgia

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