David Reid Branon

David Reid Branon, 86, of Greenville, South Carolina, passed away on October 31, 2026. He was preceded in death by Kay Castilow Branon, his beloved wife of 61 years and his partner in life and business.

Born January 15, 1940, in Hartford, Connecticut, David was the son of the late Dr. Anthony William Branon and Gladys Reid Branon. He attended Hopkins Grammar School in New Haven before graduating magna cum laude from Harvard University in 1962.

David was remarkably well-read, a gifted writer, and an unforgettable storyteller, with a quick wit and wonderfully irreverent sense of humor. Endlessly curious, he loved a good conversation and could seemingly draw upon a story, bit of history, or life experience for any occasion.

David enjoyed a distinguished and influential career in the golf industry. After beginning his career with Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation, he joined Acushnet in 1968 and later became Vice President of Marketing for Dunlop Maxfli. In 1986, he co-founded David-Geoffrey & Associates and brought the storied Slazenger Golf brand to the United States, growing the business from approximately $5 million in first-year sales to more than $60 million annually. He later served as Chairman of Dunlop Slazenger Group Americas before retiring in 2001. In 2002, the PGA of America honored David with its Lifetime Contributions to the Golf Industry Award. David’s enduring professional legacy is reflected in the many current golf industry leaders whose careers and lives were inspired and shaped by his mentorship, guidance and example. In retirement, he returned to another lifelong passion, writing, and published several books.

David and Kay made Greenville their cherished home for more than 40 years. Kay was his right hand and an integral part of his career success. Together they built businesses, traveled, raised their family, and created a life filled with family gatherings, holiday traditions, Furman football games, and the simple moments they enjoyed together.

To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was simply Grampy. His stories, humor, wisdom, and unmistakable personality will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

David is survived by his children, Pamela Huch LeNeave of Greenville, South Carolina; Kim Branon Plaziak and her husband, John Martin Plaziak, of Alpharetta, Georgia; and Christopher Branon of Olympia, Washington. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kay, and daughter, Valerie Huch Reynolds. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kayce LeNeave Sams (Justin), Bradley David Plaziak, Kaitlyn Kay Plaziak, Riley Branon, Reid Branon, Tory Reynolds, Taylor Reynolds Menke (Alex), seven beloved great-grandchildren, as well as his brother, Bill Branon of Las Vegas, NV.

The family will receive friends at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC 29609, on Thursday, November 5 from 11:30 until 1 pm. A private family burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to Buncombe Street Methodist church, 200 Buncombe Street Greenville SC 29601 at buncombestreet.com in memory of David.