Gary Clayton Brown, age 71, of Folly Beach, South Carolina, husband of Pamela Burgess Brown, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Gary was born March 23, 1955, in Williamston, South Carolina, son of the late Marion Brown and Betsy Smith Hendricks. He was also predeceased by his cherished stepfather, Billy Lake Hendricks.

Gary was deeply loved as a devoted husband, father, and "Papaw." Over 42 years, he built a custom home-building business grounded in lasting relationships with many loyal subcontractors and clients, and he became known throughout the industry for his integrity and his attention to detail. He always gave credit to the Lord, often saying that "every nail and board had been prayed over." His faith and honesty were the foundations of his life and his work.

Gary loved being outdoors. He loved the ocean most of all, and it was that love of surfing and boating that drew the family to Folly Beach, where summer weekends were spent exploring the creeks, marshes, and rivers of the Lowcountry. The mountains held him too. For years the family gathered at their home in Colorado, where Gary skied in the winter and hiked, biked, and chased off-road adventures in the summer, and later at the cabin in the North Carolina mountains, where he was happiest on his tractor, cutting firewood, or resting on the porch above the pond. Wherever he went, he brought his family along and taught them to love it as he did.

Gary is survived by his wife, Pam; their two sons, Cory Lane (Kelsey) and Eric Cole (Katlyn); his grandson, Cole Hendricks; and his granddaughters, Hadley Nora and Georgia Kate. He is also survived by his sister, Debbie (Larry) Mims of Taylors, SC; his brothers-in-law, Wayne Burgess and Jeffrey (Barbara) Burgess of Ramseur, NC; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A funeral service to honor and remember Gary's life will be held on Friday, July 17, at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 61 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401, with parking at 48 Meeting Street. A visitation and reception will follow, offering a time to gather and share memories of Gary. Your presence, whether at the service, the reception, or both, will be sincerely appreciated. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 61 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401, or First Baptist School, 48 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401.

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, 232 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401.

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