Brewer Lee Hefner

Brewer Lee Hefner of Searcy, Arkansas, died unexpectedly January 22, 2016. He was born in Antioch on June 30, 1926, to Walter Lonnie Hefner and Vela Harrison Hefner, one of eight sons and two daughters. His parents; sister, Vernell Edwards; and brothers Dueward, Vernice, Louie, Bill and Jerrell precede him in death. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Billy Jo (Josie Morton) Hefner; daughter, Angela Hefner Less and son-in-law, David, of Memphis; his adored grandchild, Emma McGraw Less; and many family members and friends. Surviving siblings are Carthel Hefner of McCrory, Dale Hefner of Beebe and Mattie Ruth Fisher (Jim) of Beebe. Drafted as an 18-year-old during his senior year at Beebe High School, Brewer honorably served in the U.S. Army/20th Air Force during World War II. He attended the University of Arkansas and Beebe Junior College before receiving a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Arkansas, master's degree from the University of Memphis and special 30-hour school administration certificate through the University of Tennessee. He also was awarded a mathematics fellowship to the University of North Texas. Brewer Hefner truly believed in the transformative power of education and spent his entire professional career as an educator, administrator and mentor in Mississippi County. He was a teacher and high school principal in Keiser and was West Elementary principal in Osceola. In 1963, he was named superintendent of Osceola Public Schools, retiring in 1986. In retirement, he was an educational facilities consultant to The Cromwell Firm. He served as president of the Osceola Kiwanis Club; president of the Arkansas Athletic Association; and chair of the administrative board of First United Methodist Church in Osceola. As a member of North Central Association accreditation committees, he traveled to other school districts to ensure high standards of teaching. Brewer Hefner was a loyal supporter of the University of Arkansas and a dedicated Razorback fan. He was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Searcy. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church (304 North Main Street, Searcy, Ark. 72143); St. Mary's Episcopal School Community Fund (60 Perkins Extd., Memphis, Tenn. 38117); University of Arkansas Libraries (365 McIlroy Avenue, Fayetteville, Ark. 72701); or a charity of choice. A Celebration of Life was held Monday, January 25, 2016, at First United Methodist Church, in Searcy. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, a certified Veterans Care provider. www.SmithFamilyCares.com.