Kenneth Ray Brehmer, Sr.

November 22, 1937 - October 31, 2017
Kenneth Ray Brehmer, Sr.

Memorial Gifts & Donations




Kenneth Ray Brehmer, Sr., 79, left his Earthly life and entered his eternal home with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter in Wilmington, NC. He was born on November 22, 1937 in Wilmington, NC to the late Clarence and Lucille Brehmer.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Esther Craven and Jean Eckberg, and a son, Dennis Jarrell.

Ray is survived by his cherished wife Patricia of the home; his adored children: Keith (Dianne) Brehmer and Kevin (Amy) Brehmer of Louisiana, Julie (Joey) Turner, Kenny Brehmer, Danny Jarrell, and Tammy (Sam) Ragan, and daughter-in-law Cindy Jarrell all of North Carolina, his brother Bud Brehmer, sisters Shirley Merritts and Barbara Mills of North Carolina; 25 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Ray was a simple man who was loved and respected by those who knew him. He was a caring, hardworking man who was always willing to lend a helping hand. These cherished memories will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew him.

At a young age, he joined the U.S. Air Force. His distinguished military career spanned the course of 23 years. During this time, he received numerous awards, medals, and citations, including the USAF NCO Academy Award, Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation.

During his service, Ray attended Aircraft Mechanic School, Officer Candidate School, Strategic Air Command Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, and numerous others. His military service saw him through the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis in Spain, and the Vietnam War. He held the roles of crew chief, and planning & scheduling supervisor for many different air squadrons in Louisiana, Texas, New York, Thailand, and multiple other locations.

In 1977, Ray retired from the United States Air Force, with the rank of Master Sergeant, where he moved back to his hometown of Wilmington, NC.

Following his retirement, Ray began working for General Electric where he worked for 20 years before retiring. While at General Electric, he obtained his EMT- Basic certification and was a member of the Emergency Response Team. He made many friends during his employment.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon  on Friday, November 3, 2017 Wilmington Funeral Chapel. The  Rev. Gary Teachey will officiate the service. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park with military honors.

Pall bearers will be his grandsons: Samuel Aman, Justin Aman, Stephen Aman, Eric Jarrell, Michael Jarrell, and Jeremy Jarrell. Honorary pallbearer will be his great-grandson Koen Whitfield.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 5-7 pm on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at Wilmington Funeral and other times at the home.

Memorial donations can be made in honor of Kenneth Ray Brehmer Sr. to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.

Please share memories and condolences with the family at wilmingtoncares.com.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street. Wilmington, NC 28403

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  • November 01, 2017
    Karen J arrell says:
    Pat and family I am thinking of you with much love and prayers for peace and strengh; May God surround you with his Angels so they can minister to your individual needs. All my love Karen

  • November 01, 2017
    robert and judy haggins lit a candle:
    Lit since November 1, 2017 at 11:17:25 PM

  • November 01, 2017
    Thomas Wisniewski says:
    May God comfort you during this time and ease your pain in the coming days. Just want you to know that I am glad that I had the privilege to know him , e was quite an interesting man, he will be missed

  • November 02, 2017
    Ricky Turner says:
    I am just so sad about the passing of Grandaddy Brehmer. He always had a smile on his face whenever I saw him. Loved seeing him at the many family gatherings we had together. He loved his family with all his heart. Even when he wasn't feeling well, he was always smiling and loved being with his loved ones. He will be missed by everyone whom ever had the chance to meet or know him.

  • November 02, 2017
    Julie says:
    Daddy, you fought a good fight and I know that you are breathing easy now and celebrating your reunion with previously passed loved ones. Thank you for 48 wonderful years of memories I will cherish for the rest of my life. Breathe easy, my hero. I love you and miss you terribly.