Bill’s eventful and meaningful life began on May 12, 1930 in Rutherford County, NC.  His parents were the late George Palmer DeBrule and Nellie Head DeBrule. He attended Carlisle Military Academy and North Carolina State University. He was a veteran of the US Air Force.

    He was an industrialist and a visionary who was dedicated to making Rutherford County a better place to live and work. He never forgot his roots. He was instrumental in bringing various companies to the county. While living in Rutherford County he served on the board of directors and as president of the Vocational Workshop, the Board of Trustees of Isothermal Community College, and the State Board of Community College.  He was an active member of the NC Development Board and belonged to Providence United Methodist Church. 

     He and his wife retired to Florida. There, Bill became a member of the Old Guard Society, Everglades Club, Sailfish Club, and The Society of the Four Arts and was a member of the Royal Poinciana Chapel.  His passion was gin rummy at the Old Guard and Linville Ridge Country Club.

     In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Libby DeBrule Helms.

     Survivors include his loving wife, Martha Butler DeBrule of the home; one son, George Stephen DeBrule and wife, Molly Webb DeBrule of Orlando, FL; one daughter, Elizabeth DeBrule Wilkinson and husband, John Michael Wilkinson of West Palm Beach, FL and one sister, Betty DeBrule Pryor of Gastonia, NC.  He is also survived by four grandchildren, William Stephen DeBrule of San Diego, CA, Miley DeBrule Cyr and husband, Thomas Clifford Cyr of Palm City, FL, Robert Andrew Cairns and wife, Michelle Stoe Cairns of Orlando and Eleanor Beth Wilkinson of West Palm Beach; two great-grandchildren, George McClellan Cairns and Kenley Thomas Cyr.

     He truly left this world a better place through his hardwork and dedication. He will be missed greatly by friends and family.

     A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 1, 2011 at Providence United Methodist Church with Reverend David Bradley officiating.

     In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to: Hospice of Avery County, PO Box 1357, Newland, NC  28657 or Chase United Methodist Church Corner Ministries, 1604 Chase High Road, Forest City, NC  28043.

Harrelson Funeral Home is caring for the DeBrule Family.          

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com