Tyler Brewer

On Saturday, July 1, 2023, Tyler Brewer was called home to be with our Lord. Tyler was a beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend to many. Tyler was born in Sumter, SC, but soon moved to Jacksonville, FL with his family and lived there until age 19. At an early age in Tyler’s life, he found a love for adventures and the outdoors. Going on adventures and exploring the outdoors influenced Tyler so much that he made a career out of doing what he loved by working for the National Park Service.

Tyler traveled all over the country exploring what is unknown to most of us. Going on adventures and working in different parks sharing his passion and knowledge with others who were like minded. Tyler was also a huge animal advocate. Domestic or wild it didn’t matter; Tyler would do what ever he could to protect them. Tyler was also a gun aficionado. He loved nothing more than going to the gun range with his step-father, Don Kestner, who became a father to Tyler at the age of 8. Every chance Tyler got to spend with Don doing something they were together. Although Tyler had that huge love for guns, his love for animals was greater. Tyler never once killed an animal for game. Tyler was a very smart man and had a very curious mind which ultimately led Tyler to always be alert and prepared for any situation thrown his way. 

When Tyler was in his mid-40’s he received a devastating diagnosis of ALS (Amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis) also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. ALS is very rare and terminal.

Once Tyler received his diagnosis, he knew what he needed to do and what he wanted to do. Before starting his battle with trying to fight the disease to slow the progression down there was one more thing that Tyler needed. So, in May of 2016 to June 2016, Tyler and his older brother, Donnie took off on an adventure. The two of them traveled to Arizona, the Grand Canyon, Lake Tahoe, Utah, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, North Dakota and South Dakota, including the badlands of South Dakota, Missouri and then headed back to Virginia. They spent 7 weeks traveling the country and made unforgettable memories. 

After returning home from his long adventure, Tyler started spending countless hours doing research on his disease. Tyler started a medication that was available at the time to try and slow the progression of his muscle deterioration. Unfortunately, in Tyler’s case the medication did not help. Regardless of his difficult battle with ALS, Tyler was still a joy to be around and could light up any room with his contagious smile. Tyler will be greatly missed by all who knew him. We want to bring more awareness of ALS to our community and ask that any donations you want to send to the family to please send to: The ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Blvd, Suite 600, Arlington VA 22209.

Tyler was preceded in death by his biological father, Don Michael Brewer, maternal grandparents: Reva and John Cubbage; special aunt, Mary Smothers; cousin, Donnie Martin and several other family members that were reunited with Tyler.

Survivors include his step-father and mother, Don and Reva Kestner of Glade Spring, VA; brother Donnie Brewer of Jacksonville, FL; aunts, Sally Neese of Irmo, SC, Jeanette Lewis and husband Jim of Roanoke, VA; uncle Tom Cubbage and wife Jane of Irmo, SC; Cousins, Jimmy Lewis and wife, Samantha of Roanoke, VA, Heather Reynolds and husband Larry of Winston-Salem, NC, Melissa Dalgren and husband Rodney of Irmo, SC, Renee Cartagena and husband, Orlando of Somerset, NJ; step-mother, Billie Brewer of Jacksonville FL, and all of the Kestner family; special caregivers and friends, Meghann Reynolds and Terri Blankenship; and long-time friend and co-worker, Jim Soult.

Special thanks to all of the Elite Hospice Group from Bristol, VA for their amazing care and dedication to Tyler and his parents over the last 3 years.

Heavenly Father, we come before you with heavy hearts, seeking comfort and solace in our time of grief. We ask you to wrap your loving arms around those who are mourning the loss of Tyler, and to fill their hearts with your peace that surpasses all understandings.

The family of B. Tyler Brewer is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, Main Street location, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 276-623-2700.