William Clarke Brewer Jr. died peacefully at Cape Cod Hospital on Feb. 4, 2021 at age 88. Billy — that’s what everyone called him — lived a good, fun-filled life.

Born in Greenville, S.C., Billy was an Eagle Scout and attended Emory University in Atlanta for two years before leaving to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserves Medical Corps during the Korean War. Upon his return, he studied at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, graduating in 1956.

Eager to begin a career, Billy accepted a job at the American Heart Association, and there he rose through the ranks, earning recognition as a top national staff associate for excellence and leadership, while working in North Carolina and New York City. He then moved to Baltimore, where he became the executive director of the AHA for the state of Maryland.

In retirement, Billy and his partner, Ron Coutu, moved to East Berlin, Pa., where they restored an old mill as their home and tended acres of surrounding land.

Having spent numerous summer vacations in Provincetown, Billy and Ronnie decided to move to Seashore Point in 2010. They had lived there for just one year when Ronnie, who had been the love of Billy’s life for 30 years, died after a brief illness.

Billy and the couple’s Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Muffin, carried on together with zest, friendship, and compassion for all they came to know.

Billy was a true Southern gentleman whose memory will be lovingly treasured by his many friends in Provincetown and Rehoboth Beach, Del.

Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, a celebration of Billy’s life will take place at a time when it is deemed safe to do so.

Memories and condolences may be left online at gatelyfuneralservice.com.