William “Bill” Dennis Brewer, 85, of Gloucester, Va., passed away peacefully on Aug. 11, 2025 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on June 15, 1940 in Clemmons, N.C., he graduated from Southwest High School in 1958 and then from Wake Forest College in 1962 with a degree in Physics. He was a member of Sigma Pi Fraternity. He earned a Master’s Degree from George Washington University while employed at Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va. As a youth, Mr. Brewer, while a Boy Scout, earned the rank of Eagle Scout and belonged to the Order of the Arrow. Professionally, he retired in 2001 after 40 years as a Materials Research Scientist at NASA. During his career there he served as a leader in ASM International and received multiple awards for his contributions to the space program, culminating with the NASA Exceptional Service Medal in 2000. Mr. Brewer’s interests included fishing on the Outer Banks of N.C., coaching youth football and baseball, assisting with a local Cub Scout Pack, doing carpentry in his workshop, and riding his beloved John Deere while mowing copious amounts of grass. He supported community organizations serving as PTA president at both Gloucester Intermediate School and Gloucester High School. He was an active member of Groves Memorial Presbyterian Church for over 60 years, where he served as Elder and Trustee. He was the quintessential diplomat with an ability to put anyone at ease with his quick and sometimes dry wit. Mr. Brewer and his wife Sandra were married for 65 years and lovingly reared four children together. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert E. Brewer and Dorothy R. Brewer; brothers-in-law, Norman W. Bright and Allen L. Bright. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Brewer; son, Mike Brewer (Laura) of Gloucester, Va.; daughter, Kelli Sabiston (Paul) of Aberdeen, N.C.; son, Peter Brewer (Zeynep) of Miami, Fla.; daughter, Kori Brewer (Kirk) of Greenville, N.C., and sister, Betty Bright of Brentwood, Tenn. Also surviving are grandchildren, Jason Waters, Emily Lundin, Michael Brewer, Natalie Sabiston, and Eric Sabiston; four great-grandchildren; three nieces, and one nephew. A graveside service will be held at Rosewell Memorial Garden Cemetery, 3590 Providence Road, Hayes, Va., on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11 a.m. A reception for family and friends will immediately follow at Groves Memorial Presbyterian Church, 9117 Glass Road, Hayes, Va. In memory of Mr. Brewer, contributions may be made to Groves Memorial Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1263, Hayes, Va. 23072.

Services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home & Crematory.