Drew DeVine

Drew DeVine, 33, of Hoover, Alabama, passed away on May 31, 2023 after an over 10 year struggle with schizophrenia. Drew was born October 16, 1989 in Charleston, SC. Drew arrived early because Charleston had been hit by Hurricane Hugo a few weeks before, and the family lost their home in the hurricane, necessitating a hasty move just before he arrived 3 weeks early. Drew's parents are Dr. Mark and Jackie DeVine currently residing in Hoover, Alabama and brother Sam DeVine of Columbus, Ohio. Drew graduated from Park Hill South High School in Kansas City, Missouri where he won many awards and scholarships for his writing and academic excellence. He attended Truman State University (Kirksville, Missouri) for freshman year of college and then transferred and graduated from Samford University (Birmingham, AL) where he continued to win awards as an Outstanding Student in his field of study and other awards and honors in writing and film. He went on to Emory University (Atlanta, GA) for his master's degree on a full academic scholarship and graduated in 2016. While in graduate school, he began suffering from schizophrenia which began an over 10-year battle with serious mental illness. Throughout his life he professed his faith in Jesus Christ. Drew's passions included reading, music, drawing, art, film, and writing. He enjoyed being out in nature, going on road trips, and playing guitar. He spent most every dollar he earned on books and often during his childhood birthday parties, would go "missing," only to be found alone in a corner reading a book while his friends wondered what had happened to him. Drew's approach to friendship was to have long-term, meaningful friendships with people from many walks of life; although he moved all over the country with his parents and for his education, he made at least one life-long friendship in every place he lived. Even as his illness began to take a toll limiting his functioning in his early adult years and his friends moved forward into exciting careers and locations, many stayed in touch with Drew and cherished his gentle spirit, curiosity, unique perspective, and unmatched sense of humor. One indicator of the quality of his relationships is that he was chosen to serve as Best Man in the weddings of 3 of his accomplished friends. He was a favorite of many of his professors and psychiatrists. One comment often made by his teachers and professors throughout his academic life is that while reading a huge stack of essay tests or papers, suddenly one paper would stand out for its unique writing, insight, and simple yet profound perspective. Of course, it was Drew's. Due to his family and education, Drew lived in South Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, Virginia, Bangkok Thailand, back to Kentucky and Missouri, Alabama, and Georgia. His last state of residence was Alabama. In a world where the evaluation of a life too often turns on money and position, Drew's mental illness handicapped him severely. Yet, many people whose lives he touched testify to the unique value of his contribution to them. Drew is survived by his father and mother Dr. Mark and Jackie DeVine, brother Sam DeVine (fiancée Samantha Donermeyer); maternal grandmother JoAnn Moore, aunts Julie Brown (Gary) and Cindy Moore (Tim) and uncles Rob Moore (Laurie) and Michael DeVine; as well as many cousins including Bobbi Jo Farmer (Gary)-who was more like an aunt to him. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Auburn and Brenda DeVine; maternal grandfather Harold Moore; and Uncle Bob Moore. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 6 at Alexandria Funeral Home in Alexandria, KY from 4-6 pm and the Memorial service will follow at 6 pm. Graveside services Wednesday June 7 2:30 pm at Grandview Cemetery in Mentor, Kentucky.