David Brayton Brady

David Brayton Brady passed away on June 13, 2025, in Charleston, South Carolina, after a gallant and courageous battle with cancer. He was 66 years old. 

Born on July 24, 1958, in St. Petersburg, Florida, David graduated from Boca Ciega High School before proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps. David had an adventurous spirit, and his time in the Marine Corps was no exception, bringing him across the world, most memorably to Japan.

Following his military service, David discovered a deep passion for woodworking and architecture, especially moldings! He channeled his talents into a meaningful career that took him across the Carolinas, beautifying countless homes with his skill and eye for detail. Known for his genuine smile, quick wit, inquisitive nature, and his drive for perfection in his work, David made near instant friends with his colleagues and customers alike. Most recently, he was employed at Atlantic Wholesale, a company he truly loved. The support and camaraderie he found there brought comfort and strength during his final chapter.

David was a sports enthusiast through and through. Whether it was baseball, golf, or virtually any other sport, he had an encyclopedic knowledge of stats. His love of the game was surpassed only by his love for his daughter, Claire.

Claire was the light of David’s life. Her passing in December 2023 at the age of 24, following a short but ferocious fight with an undiagnosed illness that stumped some of the world's best doctors, was a heartbreak from which David never fully recovered. Her absence was deeply felt by David every single day.

David is preceded in death by his cherished daughter, Claire Elizabeth Campbell (Brady); his mother, Phyllis W. Brady; and his father, Irving Leo Brady. 

He is survived by his loving sister, Sara Copeland; his brother, Peter Brady; his nieces, Caroline Copeland and Leah Brady; his nephew, Sam Brady; his ex-wife and Claire's mother Dee Marshall Brady; as well as countless friends who David also considered his family. 

The family is immensely thankful to his colleagues and the management at Atlantic Wholesale who supported him throughout his illness as well as to his medical team at the Medical University of South Carolina who kept him comfortable during his final days.

Memorial service arrangements are pending. In the meantime, friends and family are invited to share their favorite “David Brady-isms” and memories below. David’s legacy of laughter, love, and loyalty lives on in all of us who were lucky enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (555 West Executive Drive, Suite 200 Tampa, Florida 33609).

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.