Carl F. Brewer Jr.

Carl was born on August 22, 1964, to Carl F. Brewer Sr. and Brenda Jean Belk in Charlotte,
North Carolina. However, Carl was raised not just by his family, but by a whole community of
people who loved him and wanted the best for him. From an early age, he was surrounded by
people who cared deeply for him, and it was never uncommon for friends to become family.
From working alongside his parents at their tackle shop in Pawleys Island, to crabbing with An
Mathis Springs (The Crab Lady) of Murrells Inlet, who had a lasting influence on him, and
spending summer weekends there with his "second family," Danny and Betty Eason, Carl's
community played a meaningful role in shaping the person he became..
As he grew older, Carl continued building connections everywhere he went. He graduated from
Harding High School in 1983 and went on to study at Central Piedmont Community College,
where he learned to read blueprints. After graduating, he worked as a foreman for Michael
Ivester Sr. at Carolina Gypsum Floors and continued working with Michael Ivester Jr. at IDP
Drywall & Painting. The Ivester family was very special to Carl, as they mentored him
throughout his career.
As a foreman, Carl had the opportunity to travel extensively for work. He had a travel bug like
none other and found great fulfillment in leading job sites across the country. He especially
loved bringing his beloved chihuahua, Pepper, along for the ride. It's likely that Pepper was one
of the most well-traveled chihuahuas out there. In 2021, Carl was recognized as "Field
Supervisor of the Year" for his (and Pepper's!) great contributions to the company.
Carl had a natural thrill-seeking spirit and was never afraid to live life on the edge. From a young
age, he found excitement in speed and competition, a trait that stayed with him throughout his
life. He loved popping wheelies on his bike and doing donuts in his prized Camaro, always
chasing the next adrenaline rush. His time spent racing as a child may have been where his
competitive spirit first took shape, as he was always striving for first place in everything he did.
He even shared a running joke with his niece about always being "first," whether in
competitions, in line, or just for fun. That same drive carried over to sports, as he cheered
fiercely for the Dallas Cowboys and the North Carolina Tar Heels, always hoping they'd come in
first just like he did.
One of Carl's greatest joys was his family. In 1992 he welcomed his son, Gage Kottman, and he
couldn't have been prouder. Carl took immense pride in watching Gage grow into the thoughtful,
capable, and kind-hearted person he became. He was also a loving stepfather to Wendy's two
children, Wimberly McCarthy and Matthew McCarthy, welcoming them wholeheartedly into his
family. In 2020, he became a grandfather for the first time when Sebastian Fontaine,
affectionately called "Bash," arrived. Carl loved passing on his hobbies, teaching Bash how to
play cards, tinker with old cars, and ride bikes.

In 2016, Carl reconnected with his childhood sweetheart, Wendy McCormick. The two first met
at ages 12 and 13. Although they lost touch after graduating, they found their way back to each
other in their 50s. In 2018, they were married, beginning a beautiful and loving partnership. As
kids, they could often be found at the local skating rink. In later years, they traded skates for
boats, enjoying time on the water, hosting family, listening to live music, and making memories
while traveling together.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Carl F. Brewer Sr. and Brenda Jean Belk, and his
brother, Thomas Allen. He is survived by his wife of eight years, Wendy Brewer; his son, Gage
Kottman (Alicia); his brother, Glenn Brewer (Nikki); his beloved grandson, Sebastian "Bash"
Fontaine; his loving nieces, Emily, Ava (Tommy), and Jewel Brewer; and his cousins Wendy
Belk Aragin, Innya Belk, and Kayla Belk, who held a special place in his heart, as well as many
other cousins and extended family members.
Carl was an animal lover through and through. He shared his life with three beloved
chihuahuas, Carly, Peanut, and Sparky, and a cat named Big Block, named after the engine of
his prized Camaro. He often stopped to help stray animals he encountered, and his compassion
extended far beyond pets. Wendy said he was a very kind and gentle soul who helped anyone
he could, always ready to lend a hand or a smile. His generosity, warmth, and love for all living
things were a reflection of the man he was, and he will be deeply missed by everyone who knew
him.
A celebration of Carl's life will be held at 2:00 PM on May 2, 2026, at Northside Baptist Church
in Charlotte, North Carolina. Carl was saved and baptized at Northside Baptist and fondly spoke
of the time he spent there as a child. As a child, he even won the "Mouth of the South"
competition there, a title that suited him well. Friends and family are invited to join in honoring
his life, sharing memories, and celebrating the joy he brought to everyone around him.