KCDC Loses Dear Friend, Former Executive Director

Published: 11/1/2010 3:43:43 PM

Fred DeBruhl Sr., former executive director of Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation, died in Nashville on Thursday, Oct. 28.

“KCDC and residents of public housing have lost a great friend,” said KCDC President and CEO Alvin Nance. “Fred devoted his life to public service during his time at HUD and KCDC. He was a highly respected figure in the field of public housing.”

His devotion to public housing began in 1963 when Debruhl was an intern for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and spanned more than four decades. He led KCDC for 15 years, from 1985 through 2000, making significant contributions to public housing in the Knoxville community.

During his time of leadership at KCDC, the Family Investment Center was developed, as well as a micro-loan program for small businesses. And it was under his watch that a HOPE VI grant was obtained, beginning the transformation of the Mechanicsville community, replacing the blighted College Homes complex with new single family and duplex style housing.

As a KCDC board member, current KCDC Chairwoman Juanita Cannon worked with DeBruhl for several years.

“He was very much involved in the community. He was very fair and wanted to do the right thing at all times,” she said. “He listened to the community. He was well-known in the community and respected in the housing authority.”

In addition to working as the Deputy Area Director with the Knoxville Field Office for HUD and later as Area Manager, DeBruhl was also executive director of the Lenoir City Housing Authority. He was involved in the Ruritan Club, TAHRA and the Boys and Girls Club. He had a special place in his heart for the Knoxville Area Rescue Mission.

DeBruhl, age 77, lived in Lenoir City with his devoted wife of 58 years, Connie Kendrick DeBruhl. He was a graduate of Union County High School in Union, South Carolina, and the University of South Carolina and served as an MP with the U.S. Air Force.

KCDC, on behalf of the Board of Commissioners and employees, will be sending a donation to the Knoxville Area Rescue Mission.