William Robert Braddy, 87, died peacefully at the McLeod Regional Medical Center Dillon, Tuesday, October 21, 2014 surrounded by his family. A service of remembrance with reception to follow will be held 3:00 p.m. Friday, October 24, 2014, at Main Street United Methodist Church. Kannaday Funeral Home in Dillon is assisting the family.
Mr. Braddy was born September 10, 1927, in Dillon County, SC, the son of the late Robert Adolphus (Dolph) and Malvina Hopper (Peggy) Braddy. He was a devoted member of Main Street United Methodist Church where he served on virtually every committee of the Church during his lifetime. He organized the first Youth Choir at Main Street UMC and was the original director. Bob and his Father co-authored the “History of Main Street United Methodist Church” and in 2006 authored the Dillon County History section of “The Encyclopedia of South Carolina” compiled and published by historian Walter Edgar.
Bob was a warm and gentle soul who appreciated nature, especially beautiful sunsets that connected earth and heaven. Bob’s dedication to improving the world around him encompassed church, civic organizations, education, his community, country, and his profession. He was one of the first Eagle Scouts in Dillon County, a tradition of achievement passed down to his son and grandson. Bob graduated from Wofford College in 1949. In 1948, he and a classmate established the “King Teen Scholarship” which is known today as the “Wofford Scholar” program. After college, he served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Prior to joining the family business, Bob was a reporter for the “Camden Chronicle Independent” newspaper in Camden, SC. In 1952 he joined his father, Dolph, in the family insurance business and was very proud when his son, John, joined Braddy Insurance in 1977. He was a Past-president of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of South Carolina and was a member of the National Board of Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America. Bob was instrumental in the reform of Automobile Insurance Legislation in South Carolina in the 1980’s. Bob was one of the pioneers in establishing Francis Marion College. Bob’s devotion to his hometown was evident. He was a Past President and a “Fifty-year-plus” member of the Dillon Lion’s Club. He served on the Dillon County Theater Board and chaired the Mayor’s Clock Committee as part of the Downtown Revitalization Committee of Dillon. Bob was a talented musician and author. He was a frequent contributor to “The Dillon Herald” with many informative articles about the events and history of Dillon County. In 1999 Bob was honored as Dillon County Citizen of the Year.
He is survived by his wife, Alice Brennecke Braddy of the home; son, John Braddy (Sandy) of Dillon, SC; daughters, Barri Burrus (Robert) of Raleigh, NC, Amy Barrington (Ed Ham) of Cary, NC; sister, Peggy Thrailkill of Greenville, SC; grandchildren, Jill B. McLeod (Will) of Sumter, SC, David Braddy (Katie) of Greenwood, SC, Jennifer Bracey of Dillon, SC; Patrick Stewart (Amy) of Charleston, SC, Kala Kannisto of Charleston, SC, Caley Burrus of Durham, NC, Chloe Barrington-Ham of Asheville, NC; six precious great-grandchildren; and his special Bichon companion, Cheree, who gave him great joy.
He is also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Helen and Joe Moffett, and a special friend of the family, (Saint) Alpha Hartley. He was predeceased by his step-daughter, Dee B. Stewart-Kannisto and brother-in-law Dr. Ben Thrailkill.
Memorials may be made to the Main Street United Methodist Church – Window Project, 401 E. Main Street, Dillon, SC 29536, or McLeod Hospice, 1203 E. Cheves Street, Florence, SC.
You may sign the online guestbook at www.kannadayfuneralhome.com.