Michael Gene Brewer, age 66, of Pinesville, passed away on Wednesday, March 20,2024, after an ongoing extended illness, surrounded by his many loved ones. Michael was born on October 4,1957, on an Army base in Biloxi, Mississippi, to a Silver-Star Korean War Veteran and a German immigrant. The day of his birth was also the day that Sputnik 1 was launched into space by the Soviet Union, thus marking the start of the Great "Space Race". Michael was a Military Brat and moved multiple times during his childhood, until his fathers military retirement. August 1969, Gainesville was his new home and Michael has called Alachua County his home since. Michael was a 1976 graduate of Eastside Highschool. After graduation, Michael answered the call to serve his country, and enlisted in the United Stated Army, completing Basic Training at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. He was later stationed at Ft. Benning, Georgia. While on a weekend leave, Michael drove back to Gainesville to see his high-school sweetheart graduate. June 7, 1979, would be the day that he and Joan would start their journey towards a beautiful life together. Michael was later stationed in Nuremberg Germany with the Army, until he was Honorably Discharged in 1980. Upon his return home, Michael got a job with Gainesville Regional Utilities at the Deerhaven Generating Station in December 1980. He always tells the story that he got overtime on his first day, unloading a coal train. Michael and Joan married in August 1981 and welcomed their one and only child, Melissa, in September of 1986. For anyone that knows Michael, they know about his Blue 1986 Ford. He would tell you that truck was beyond priceless and no amount of money would convince him to sell it, all because that truck brought his newborn baby girl home from the hospital. Michael worked for GRU for a total of 37 years before his retirement. After his retirement, he worked at the Malcolm Randall VA for approximately 18 months, "to give him something to do". Mike had amassed numerous friends during his time at GRU and the VA. The stories he could tell! Those memories will last a lifetime. After retirement, Mike and Joan enjoyed traveling, especially cruises! Mike also enjoyed fishing whenever he got the chance. He never missed the opportunity to have a mid-week lunch with his best friend of 53 years, Donnie Blanton. Mike always seemed to be working on one project or another. He enjoyed 70s music and never missed the opportunity to tell you the name of the artist or song. He may not have watched every college football game, but he was very up to speed on the latest in college football. Mike was a girl dad, girl uncle, girl great-uncle & everyones "Uncle Mike". He was beyond excited when he became a boy "Pops". He loved sitting in his chair looking at cars with Rhett. He loved spoiling Rhett with afternoon cookies or twinkies. Rhett was his righthand little man and loved his Pops. Michael is survived by his wife of 42 years, Joan, daughter Melissa & her boyfriend Joe, & grandson Rhett Banks. Sister Rebecca Thompson, Nephews Matthew & Robert Thompson, Sister-in-law Sheila (Dwayne) Jones, Nieces Kristin Troxel & Kylie (Ryan) Lamb, Great Nieces Ansley, Palin, Kadence, & Kennedy. Michael is pre-deceased by his parents Aubrey & Gerda Brewer and brother Geary Brewer. Services will be held at Destiny Community Church on Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024 at 11:00 with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made for Rhetts college fund. Mike always emphasized the importance of getting a college education, no matter what you chose to do with your life. Service Tuesday, April 2, 2024 11:00 AM - Destiny Community Church 20820 W Newberry Rd Newberry FL 32669 US (352) 472-3284 Funeral Home Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Avenue Gainsville FL - 32609 US 352-378-2528