David G. "Gerry" Priest, Jr.

David G. “Gerry” Priest, Jr. (65), of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, beloved husband, son, brother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully at his home on January 10th, 2024. His Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the Church of The Holy Cross, 2520 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island at 1:00 P.M. Interment will be private. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel.

Gerry was born on August 2nd, 1958, in Tampa, Florida, son of David G. Priest, Sr. and Barbara Hamilton (Priest) Nettles. Following his family’s move to Charleston, he graduated from Bishop England, attended Clemson, and later graduated from the College of Charleston.

At an early age, Gerry chef- apprenticed at some of Charleston’s premier restaurants, soon serving as Executive Chef at several popular Charleston dining establishments. Ever the entrepreneur, he honed his business skills, while working in restaurant design, before opening his successful seafood restaurant in Murrell's Inlet. After deciding to leave the hectic restaurant world, Gerry became a self-professed “waterman.” Operating out of McClellanville, he thrived in the Lowcountry’s creeks and bays; harvesting oysters, and crabs, but primarily operating his clam farm. His life became truly enriched by his marriage to the love of his life, Karen Lester Priest, in 2010. Gerry enjoyed reading, writing, golfing, and fishing, as well as being with (and especially cooking for) family and friends.

A man of quiet but enthusiastic faith in God and who deeply cared for those around him, Gerry’s smiling face and kind spirit will be missed by all who loved him.

Gerry was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Hamilton Nettles.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen Lester Priest; father, David G. Priest, Sr.; sister, Stephanie Priest Powell; step-mother, Ann Priest; step-brother, Dutch Fayard (Heather); two brothers-in-law, Raymond Lester (Ginny) and Jerry Lester (Pat) and many, many beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to Holy Cross Church, 2520 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island, South Carolina.

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