David Brian Brabham

David Brian Brabham, 69, entered into eternal rest on August 25, 2024, one day after his birthday. Davey, as he was known, lived, loved, worked, and played his entire life in Charleston.

He grew up on the banks of the Stono River where his parents created a sandy beach for him in their backyard on the lntracoastal Waterway. Davey was an avid boater and boat racer, and loved high-performance cars. His love of boats started at the age of six when he began driving a duck boat. Through boating, he met and made so many lifelong friends. He ventured into the world of racing, driving many different customized boats, participating in local races and others including the Grand Prix of Naples, and Port Neches RiverFest in Texas. Throughout his life, he also owned and enjoyed driving his favorite sports cars, Porsches and his F-Type black Jag.

Davey's love of drums began at the age of 13. He impressed his drum teacher as he quickly picked up the nuances, and was ambidextrous, as well. Later in life, he began playing drums once again. He could often be found in his drum room playing along with his favorite songs.

Davey began his career working in his father's Piggly Wiggly grocery stores located on Meeting Street and on Broad Street. He also worked at the new store on Maybank Highway. He later owned Brabham Liquors, Inc. stores in Mount Pleasant and West Ashley, and Brabham Bartending Service catering many local events. When you walked through the doors of his stores, he treated you more like a friend than a customer.

Davey was a good friend to many people. He went out of his way to help people in need. Whether it was a few dollars, a good meal, or literally giving someone the coat off of his back in cold weather, Davey was always ready to help. He lived his life to the fullest and loved to share stories of his many adventures. He had a voice, cadence, and laugh that was unmistakable, all his own, and will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him. Davey lived a full, exciting and happy life and while he will be missed by his family and friends, we were all better for having him in our lives. Davey and Elaine traveled every spring in their early years, always choosing a tropical paradise to vacation in where they would relax and enjoy the beauty of nature along with the kind people they met at each resort. They also had a tradition for over twenty years to spend a weekend in Hilton Head to celebrate Davey’s birthday since the day Davey turned 30. Elaine surprised him and picked him up from work for a birthday weekend she had arranged there. Davey, since childhood, was a loyal Los Angeles Rams football fan and anyone who knew him well, knew it! Go Rams! Bring home another Super Ball win for Davey! There is a quote that sums up Davey's life: "Death is not extinguishing the light; It is only putting out the lamp because dawn has come."

Davey is predeceased by his parents, F. Marion and Inez Brabham, and his brother Arthur Brabham all of Charleston. He is survived by his loving wife Elaine Ortner Brabham, who spent 52 years with her husband. Their story began as high school sweethearts, and they have been loving soulmates side by side ever since. Davey is also survived by his brothers F. Marion "Fudgy" Brabham, Jr. (Debra), Roger Brabham (Ellie), Keith Brabham, and sister Jan Brabham Atkinson all of Charleston. Sister-in-law Brenda Ortner Silverboard (Kenny) of Atlanta and brother-in-law Lee Ortner (Karen) of Charleston. He is also survived by nephew Mark Brabham (Amy), nieces, Lisa Atkinson Reynolds (David), Leslie Atkinson Lavendar, Amy Atkinson Hethington (Sean), and Roxanne "Betsy" Brabham all of Charleston. Nieces Erica Silverboard Beard (Brandon) and Jamie Silverboard Weismark (llan) of Atlanta. He is also survived by several other great-nieces and nephews. His faithful and beloved German Shepherd, Donut, was by his side for over 12 years.

At David's request, no formal services will be planned.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital ( www.stjude.org ), or to a local charity that supports animals.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365 .