Bertram "Bert" Ballam

Bertram Henry Ballam (Bert) passed away peacefully at home on April 1, 2025, at the age of 91. Bert was born on June 1st, 1933, in Charleston, SC to the late Lester B. Ballam and Mildred Rabens Ballam. He graduated from Murray Vocational School and started his career as a mechanic with the local Buick dealership. He then moved to focus on outboard mechanics at Henry’s Outboard. At this time, he also served in the Navy Seabees for 8 years. A lifetime entrepreneur, he started his first company Hiway Marine on Folly Road in 1960 where he discovered his love of sales and was awarded Nationwide Salesman of the Year for Mercury Outboard Motors. After selling Hiway Marine, he joined his future wife, Loy, at South Carolina Crab Company in McClellanville, SC where they had many good years. Wanting to get back to his sales roots, he obtained his real estate broker’s license. He joined Fred Wichman as an agent and shortly after started buying and flipping properties. Understanding the potential of growth in the Charleston area, he went into a venture to form BBF corporation buying investment properties. In 1993, he and his wife Loy purchased the corporation and grew it to include 85 properties. This company provided them with careers until retirement as well as career opportunities for a few of the children.

Bert loved his community and being with its people. He was a founding member of East Cooper Outdoor Motor Club and served as its 4th Commodore in 1960. He was also a lifetime member of Hobcaw Yacht Club, where he was instrumental in starting its sailing program. He was an active member of both the Charleston Yacht Club and Elks Club. Other clubs include the Optimist International and Charleston Executive Club.

He was a skilled hunter and fisherman, winning many trophies and awards. One of his greatest joys was sharing these skills with his children and grandchildren who will carry on his legacy of love for the great outdoors. Known especially for his fishing skills, he was often asked to take prestigious Charleston visitors fishing and had many magazines and newspaper articles written about him.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Loy B. Ballam; children, Renee Ballam Shaw (Bryan), Kelly Ballam Cox(Leslie), Bram Ballam (Kathy), Eddie Marlowe (Colleen), Leigh Marlowe, Elizabeth Evans (Scott); 16 Grandchildren, Alyson Kelley(Marlin), Lynsey Zieman, Cameron Jones (Coleen), Clay McCarn, Austin Shaw (Katie), Brittany Butler (Adam), Lida Madison Ward (Jon), Luke Ballam (Widgeon), Rosalyn Ballam (Zac), Jenna Moore (Marshall), Hampton Marlowe (Jess), Billy Marlowe (Samantha), Mallory Marlowe-Dandreo (Garrett), Kelsey Marlowe, Ryleigh Evans, Elle Evans and daughter-in-law, Cheryl Marlowe; as well as, 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved cousin, Betty Jean Huggins. He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Donna Ballam; son, Robbie Marlowe; and granddaughter, Marlowe Moxley.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening, April 10, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel. His Funeral Service will be held Friday, April 11, 2025 in the J. Henry Stuhr Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel, 1494 Mathis Ferry Road at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675 or Hollings Cancer Center, MUSC Foundation, 18 Bee St., MSC 450, Charleston, SC 29425.

A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.