In a heartfelt evening filled with laughter, memories, and deep appreciation, the Clarendon County community gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of William Jackson “Bill” Brewer—beloved coach, friend, and American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame inductee.
Held at Manning Junior High School, “Bill Brewer Night” was emceed by retired Judge Thomas Cooper and organized by Jerry Coker, G.G. Cutter, Donald Hardy, and Maxie Knowlton. Dozens of sponsors, including D&H Barbecue, FTC, and the Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce, helped bring the tribute to life.
Guests included family, former players, longtime friends, and even Yankees legend Bobby Richardson, who shared stories of baseball, brotherhood, and Bill's quiet but powerful influence.
“This was a night we needed,” Cooper told the packed room. “We didn’t want to wait until Bill wasn’t around to hear how much he meant to this community.” He added, “The very core of Bill’s life has been others—helping others, serving others, giving to others, loving others. That’s what he has done and continues to do.”
Rep. Fawn Pedalino presented a resolution from the South Carolina House of Representatives officially declaring May 22, 2025, as "Bill Brewer Day" in the state. The resolution honored Brewer’s decades of service through American Legion baseball and his dedication to Clarendon youth, stating he is “a citizen who seeks to influence the youth of our State and help them grow into responsible, productive citizens.”
The resolution also noted that “what has always made him happy are family and friends, sports and the players he coached, and doing things for others, no matter what that may be.”
Born in 1942 and raised in the Bloomville community, Brewer lost his father at age 14 and quickly stepped into the demands of family and farm life. He played sports at Manning High School and briefly attended Presbyterian Junior College in North Carolina before returning home to support his mother and sisters. He later founded Superior Manufacturing and raised four children with his late wife, Irene.
The evening was rich with storytelling. Family members shared anecdotes about concession stand mishaps, car rides to ballgames, and the countless ways Irene supported Bill’s American Legion efforts behind the scenes.
“Daddy gave selflessly to Post 68,” said daughter Penny Windham. “His time, resources, and heart went into something he truly adored.” She recalled, “There were many days when Daddy needed to use our cars to transport players to away games. Once, lightning struck my sister’s Dodge Colt on the way to a game—it melted the antenna and blew out the radio and all four tires. The boys jumped out faster than the bolt hit.”
Son-in-law Mike Windham added his own memory. “He’s a lifelong Cowboys fan,” he laughed. “Whenever they won, he’d walk around saying, ‘How ‘bout them Cowboys?’ But tonight, I say, ‘How ‘bout that Bill Brewer?’”
Richardson recalled giving Bill’s son Mickey a full scholarship to play for him at Coastal Carolina and joked, “If I’d known then that I’d end up with a diner a mile from my house serving pork chops and stewed beef, I’d have given him four scholarships.” He reflected more seriously, “Bill is one of those rare people who’s always doing something for someone else—but he never needs to be asked.”
Though humor filled the room, there was an undeniable reverence for Brewer’s impact. His coaching spanned multiple generations and schools—Christian Academy, Laurence Manning, and Manning-Santee American Legion. Former players stood and were recognized during the program, many having traveled from out of state.
“He’s the kind of man who checks on you whether you expect it or not,” Cooper said. “That’s what teammates do. That’s what friends do.”
Brewer humbly took the podium at the end of the night.
“I’m honored and grateful to have my family, friends, coaches, and former players here tonight,” he said. “Legion ball has been a very important aspect of my life.” He paused before adding, “Some of the best days of my life were spent right behind my house, playing ball with the Sugar Hill crew.”
He credited two people in particular: his late wife, Irene, and his longtime coaching partner, John Allen Mahoney. “If you think you can cook barbecue, check him out,” Brewer said with a grin.
The program concluded with a powerful reflection from Richardson, who recited a poem he uses to honor his late Yankees teammates.
“In God’s Hall of Fame… I’d rather be an unknown here and have my name up there,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. “And Bill’s name will be up there.”
Indeed, it was a night to give flowers while they could still be held. And as the crowd stood in a final ovation, it was clear—Bill Brewer didn’t just coach baseball. He built a team out of a community.
