Dr. Brady was born on October 5, 1922 in Statesville, North Carolina, the son of the late Ernest Lynn Brady and Martha Carter Brady. He was educated in Statesville schools and Mitchell Junior College before completing a B.S. in 1943 at the University of South Carolina. He attended medical school at the Medical College of South Carolina in Charleston before the school temporarily closed during World War II. In the interim, he and several other medical students staffed the Emergency Room at Columbia Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina where their education became a hands-on experience. Returning to the Medical College, he completed his MD in 1947. He interned at Baptist Hospital in New Orleans, LA and returned again to Columbia, SC as a resident at Columbia Hospital where he met his wife, Billie Dove Koon.
He proudly served his country in the US Navy during the Korean War era and earned membership in the High Line Club as he successfully made the crossing between ships via the High Line to perform an emergency appendectomy on the ship’s wardroom table. He retired at the rank of Commander after many years of service in the US Naval Reserve.
Following active duty, he and Billie moved to Greenville, South Carolina where he spent 10 years in solo practice before establishing Orthopedic Associates of Greenville. He was on staff at Greenville Hospital System and St. Francis Hospital and served as secretary and president of the Greenville County Medical Society, president of the SC Orthopedic Association, member of the Southern and Eastern Orthopedic Associations, and member of the Southern and the American Medical Associations.
Born and raised in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian denomination, Dr. Brady served as both Deacon and Elder in the Greenville ARP Church and assisted in establishing a mission church which later became Devenger Road Presbyterian Church.
Retiring in 1991, he and Billie stayed busy traveling and enjoying their grandchildren, and Dr. Brady was passionate about playing golf with his fellow retired doctor and dentist friends. He was a member at both Greenville Country Club and the Poinsett Club.
Wayne Brady was an adoring husband, a devoted father who delighted in his family, and a true Southern gentleman who could spin a story, hit a golf ball, and give his time and talents to others no matter how tired or busy he might have been. A man of generosity, kindness and a sharp mind, he never forgot a face or name or medical condition. His life and work are shining examples of his Christian faith, integrity, and respect for his fellow human beings. He spent his last days holding hands with his beautiful wife, Billie, in their apartment.
Dr. Brady is survived by his wife, Billie, his children, Debbie Brady (Dwight Reynolds), David Brady (Lynn), Susan Brady, and Tommy Brady, as well as 6 grandchildren: Brice Reynolds, Caleb Reynolds, Christopher Brady, Corey Brady, Tiffany Brady Pisano, and Thomas Brady, 6 great grandchildren, his sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Penny) Timmerman, nieces Nancy Blackwell and Angela Thomas, his nephew, Mark Brady, and first cousin, Ann Vickery. He is also survived by many of his much loved and devoted office staff.
The family would like to thank his caregivers at Waterstone on Augusta, Greenville Memorial Hospital and Roger C. Peace Rehabilitation Hospital and Hospice of the Upstate. We appreciate how much you loved him and spoiled him.
A Worship Service will be held on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at 2:00 PM at the Greenville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church Sanctuary 741 Cleveland Street, Greenville, South Carolina 29601 with a reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: Greenville Free Medical Clinic 600 Arlington Avenue, Greenville, South Carolina 29601-3204 or Greenville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church Building Fund 741 Cleveland Street, Greenville, South Carolina 29601
Condolences may be made at www.mackeymortuary.com