Brick by Brick: The Inspiring Stories

Billy & Mary Drew

by Charles Drew

I purchased a brick for my grandparents Billy & Mary Drew from the Southport Historical Society. What a great way to honor and remember their legacy and admiration of their hometown Southport, NC.

My grandfather was an integral part of many Southport natives that played sports. He coached little league baseball for many years at Taylor Field and was the 1st coach in the state to allow a female to play on the Southport team. My grandmother never missed a ballgame or school function. Southport High School was the heartbeat of Old Southport, and they were dedicated to their school and the children of Southport, assisting in any way they could.

My grandfather, Billy Drew, was also a member of the Southport Fire Department, joining in 1953 and serving nearly 50 years. He rose in the ranks to Assistant Chief. He was also instrumental in helping with fundraisers and functions with the Southport Jaycees and the NC 4th of July Festival. He participated in softball tournaments and the infamous Donkey Soft Ball at Taylor Field.

In the early 1990’s he led the efforts to restore Southport’s first fire truck, the 1922 Model T. What a jewel and prized possession it is today, showcased at Fire Headquarters.

Mary and Billy were married for 60+ years, and they loved and cherished everything about Southport. I am so thankful to have a brick in their honor and memory displayed at Ft Johnston. Thank you to the Southport Historical Society for such a great program to remember our Southport loved ones, that may not be with us any longer in body, but their spirit still stands in such a sacred way!