John Andrew "Drew" Hager, 44, of Mount Holly, NC, passed away at CaroMont Regional Medical Center on December 9, 2015. He was a devoted husband, son, brother, uncle and friend. The family is holding a private family service for Drew at this time. A celebration of life event for his many friends is being planned for late January on his birthday.

He is survived by his wife, Amy Jo Pegram Hager of Mount Holly, father Hampton Hager, Jr. and stepmother Betty Hager, of Shelby, NC, brother Hampton Hager III and his wife Colleen, and nephews David Hager and Jack Hager of Davidson, NC, stepbrothers Cam Carlyle and Andy Carlyle of Surfside Beach, SC, aunt Lois Byrd and husband Frank of Mauldin, SC, aunt Bertie Shoe and husband Banner, of Mint Hill, NC, mother-in-law Billie Pegram of Gastonia, NC, father-in-law Joe Pegram and wife Sharon of Charlotte, NC, sister-in-law Jill Pegram of Gastonia, NC, and a host of cousins and special friends who will miss him dearly.

Drew was born on January 30, 1971, in San Diego, CA, but grew up in Charlotte and Shelby, NC. He graduated from Shelby High School in 1989, attended East Carolina University, and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1993. On November 1, 2008, he married the love of his life, Amy Jo Pegram. Drew worked in sales and management in the leasing industry, specializing in over-the-road trailers. He was President of First Piedmont Investments, Inc. and an owner and officer in First Piedmont Financial Corporation.

Drew was a kind, caring and gentle soul who loved his family and friends. He lived life with an enthusiastic spirit that endeared him to all and brought much joy and happiness to his family and friends. He enjoyed fishing, boating, water skiing, biking, beach trips, mountain trips, concerts, Panthers games, horseback riding, supper clubs, being with his family and friends, and international travel. He spent many hours fishing and boating on Lakes Wylie and Norman and cherished bass fishing with his nephew. Drew was an avid sports fisherman who loved offshore fishing in various places around the world. He had many friends on North Carolina's Outer Banks and in Punta De Mita, Mexico.

Drew supported and donated to The Garinger Education Foundation, which his father helped organize in 2014 (www.garingereducationfoundation.org). His family plans to help establish an endowed Drew Hager Scholarship at the Foundation to help students attend Central Piedmont Community College and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Memorials may be made to The Drew Hager Scholarship Fund, c/o The Garinger Education Foundation, 1100 Eastway Drive, Charlotte, NC 28205.

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Hager

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com