Carl "Gene" Brewer

Carl Eugene "Gene" Brewer was born on July 1, 1934, in Medford, TN. He passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Cora Lee Brewer, his beloved wife of 59 years, JoAnn Goins Brewer, sister Margaret "Tootsie" Cawood of Heiskell, brother RJ Brewer of PA, sister Joyce Gamble of Heiskell, and brother Jerry Brewer of Heiskell.

He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Rudd, and her husband, Steve Rudd, of Heiskell, TN, and his daughter, Denise Stringfield, of Heiskell, TN. Grandchildren, Jason Ferguson of Knoxville, Evan Rudd of Clinton, Garrett Rudd of Clinton, Kyle Stringfield of Oak Ridge, and Cody Stringfield of Heiskell. Great-grandchildren Natale Ferguson of Powell, Zoey Ferguson of Knoxville, and Kyra Ferguson of Knoxville. Along with several cherished nieces and nephews and a host of great friends from all over the world.

Gene was known by many names - Gene, Carl, Go Go, Butter Beans, Go Get Wood, brother, friend, but his most cherished name was Pa. He retired as a Master Auto Mechanic and also enjoyed farming. Gene and JoAnn were married for 59 years before her passing. He loved to travel and has been all over this beautiful country.

Gene was an avid singer and musician who had played in several bands across the country. He passed his love of music on to his entire family. His wife JoAnn, and daughters Debbie and Denise all played together in a family band, and his grandsons can all play an instrument. He touched many lives by teaching other family members and friends to play an instrument and continued to teach guitar class at the senior center until the week before he got sick.

Gene appeared in locally filmed motion picture movies - Johnny Bull, October Sky, Burning Rage, and The Work and the Glory. You may also have spotted him in several of the locally broadcast Heartland Series Episodes that were filmed in and around East TN.

The family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 pm, Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home. His funeral service will follow in the chapel with Rev. Allen Giles and Rev. Brian Thomas officiating. His graveside will be at 11:00 am, Monday, January 5, 2026, at Sartin Cemetery. Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. Holleygamble.com

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