Harold James Brewer

1952 - 2021

Harold James Brewer
Born: June 14, 1952 in East St. Louis, IL
Died: October 6, 2021 in Columbus, GA
Harold James Brewer, formerly of Algonquin, Illinois, age 69, (known by all as HB) went home to be with His Lord Jesus Christ on October 6th, 2021 in Columbus, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Delma Louise Young and James Rayphel Brewer, infant sister, Sharon Lee, his aunt, Pearle Ameila Reames and uncle, Eugene Lester Reames who raised him and his siblings, his brother in law Richard Wheeler, and his foster-son Howard Daniel Vagi.
HB was born June 14, 1952, Flag Day, along with his twin sister, Cheryl, in East St Louis, Illinois. He grew up in southern Illinois, Fairview Heights, where he was loved and was deeply involved in his church, Unity Roselawn/First Baptist. He played sports with determination, passion and skill, leading his high school basketball team to State Sectionals and their football team to an undefeated season. He attended and graduated from Princeton University, where he played football until he sensed a call to give up playing sports and pursue his first love, Jesus and His church.
He met his wife, Kathy Ann Byrd, at Twin County Baptist Church where her father was pastor. With his Princeton degree in history and having several courses at Princeton Seminary he went on to teach history at New Jersey's South Brunswick High School while also co-pastoring his first church, Liberty Tabernacle. In 1985, HB and the family moved to Illinois start a new church called Cornerstone Community in the Algonquin-Cary suburbs. From Cornerstone he went to serve on staff at Springbrook Community Church in Algonquin (1996-2007) then to The Chapel, where he served on staff until the fall of 2020 when he and his wife moved to Tyrone, Georgia. He coached high school football for decades, coached soccer for his kids and helped coach basketball for two of his granddaughters' teams for several years. Whether at work, church, on a football field, or in his neighborhood and at Rotary, HB was known for his passion and love for family and for people in the community. His generosity, empathy, patience, kindness and relentless energy led him to be a mentor and friend and confident to many. His love of family, both immediate and extended family and friends (who became family), was remarkably impacting and unforgettable. Some of HB's mottos have become more like anthems: "It's easier to ask forgiveness than permission," "People are what matter to God," "It's character building," "Let me encourage you to…." and most famously, "It's a good day to be alive!" HB was a legend and has left a wonderful legacy.
His hugs were legendary. His love, strength, stature and demeanor were loving, boundless and extraordinary. His trust and hope in God as a rock solid foundation has withstood unfathomable tragedy over his lifetime. He read constantly increasing his knowledge daily all of which he used to help mentor, guide and lead his family and community.
From one of his favorite books, "The Last Battle" by C.S. Lewis, is a quote that was his favorite, and captures what we know is now true: "I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have been looking for all my life, though I never knew it till now...Come further up, come further in!"
HB is survived by "Lovie," Kathy Ann, his wife of 48 years; those who called him Daddio, his Serbian daughter Ana Alikalfi?, daughter Joy (Jim) DeLaere, daughter Anna (Brian) Paprocki, son Joshua (Corrie) Brewer; those who called him Papa - grandchildren Jalisha, Lillian, Lincoln, Julianna, Kyrell, Ian, Gwynne, Aiden, Emilio; Faith, Joshua, Katherine, Genevieve, and Hoyt. Those who called him brother, Art (Kay) Reames, Robert (Lisa) Reames, Donald (Roseann) Brewer, Carole (Bill) Whittenberg, twin sister Cheryl (Bruce) Wahlmeier, Sandra Wheeler, Allen W. (Janet) Reames and scores of loving nephews and nieces.
A memorial service will be held in Chicagoland Saturday, November 13, 2021 - 2:00-4:00 pm, at Willow Creek Community Church, (in the Lakeside Chapel) South Barrington, IL 60010
Per HB's wishes, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to help build a school in Kenya with an organization started by friends at The Chapel: Oasis for Orphans, PO Box 1144, Wheaton, IL 60187, by phone at 224-277-5678, or online at: https://o4o.org/donate-today/
"As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God… I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. The prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:6-8 NLT