| James Carl DeBrew, 74, of 321 Poplar Springs Church Rd. went home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 21, 2012 at Hospice of Cleveland County. He was a native of Cleveland County and was married to his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Weaver. He was a loving husband and a wonderful father and grandfather. Carl was a man devoted to church and family and dearly loved his grandchildren. He was known for his calm demeanor and practical advice. He influenced many students over the years and helped them to accomplish more than they thought possible.
He graduated from Boiling Springs High School, Gardner-Webb Junior College, and NC State University with a BS degree in Animal Science. He has an MS in Agriculture Education and an MA in Education Administration. Carl’s first job out of college was with the Blanton Farms in Shelby. Later he became involved with Eagle Roller Mill as sales manager. He maintained a close association with these organizations through the years.
In 1971, Carl began his teaching career at Crest High School. Through the years he was one of the most successful FFA advisors in the state. He has led judging teams to state and national competition in dairy, livestock, forestry, and poultry. When he moved to the Central Office in 1988 to become the Industry Education Coordinator for the Cleveland County Schools, his former students established a scholarship in his name.
He was involved in a number of community activities including President of Farmers Mutual Insurance Company; Chairman of the Cleveland County Soil and Water Conservation District; past President of the Cleveland County Cattleman’s Association and a member of the Cleveland County Cattleman’s Hall of Fame. He has been a Rotarian since 1964 and is a Paul Harris Fellow. Carl was a big supporter of the Cleveland County Schools Education Foundation where he helped plan and coordinate the annual Math Day and Star Teacher Banquet.
Carl was a member of the Beaver Dam Baptist Church where he taught an adult Sunday school class and volunteered with the Good News Club.
Carl was the son of the late James C. DeBrew and Ruth Hamrick DeBrew. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carolyn Weaver DeBrew of Shelby; three sons, Craig DeBrew & wife, Krista of Waynesville; Cameron DeBrew & wife, Donna of Columbia, SC; Clint DeBrew and wife, Jacqueline of Greensboro; two sisters, Diana Kendrick & husband, Harold of Lawndale and Rosemary Wortman & husband, Ted of Shelby; seven grandchildren, Katie DeBrew, Carrie Anne DeBrew, Kristina DeBrew, Justin DeBrew, Jenna DeBrew, Kayler DeBrew and Caleb DeBrew.
The family will receive friends at Cleveland Funeral Services & Crematory Friday, August 24th 6:00 – 8:00 pm.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Beaver Dam Baptist Church, Saturday, August 25th at 2:00 pm with a reception following in the Sorrells Hall. Dr. Paul Sorrells and Dr. Robert Canoy will officiate.
A graveside service will be held at Cleveland Memorial Park, Friday at 11:00 am
Memorials may be made to the Carl DeBrew Scholarship at the Cleveland County Education Foundation, 105 East Ridge Street, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.
Funeral Home: Cleveland Funeral Services & Crematory
On Line Condolences: www.clevelandfuneralservice.com
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