David Earl Brandon

on June 14, 1944, in Nashville, Tennessee to the late Leon David Brandon and & Elizabeth Roberta

(Griffin) Brandon. He is preceded in death by his only sibling Roberta (Brandon) Abington.

David is survived by his loving wife of almost 33 years Cheri (Santos) Brandon, cousin Joy

(Yearwood) Matlock, niece Sue (Abington) Todd, and nephew Jay Abington.

David grew up in Belle Meade attended Parmer School and then Hillsboro High School where he

graduated in 1962. After high school graduation David attended the University of Tennessee and Middle

Tennessee State University (MTSU), where at the latter he was an instrumental leader in establishing the

local chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He completed his undergraduate studies and graduated

from MTSU in 1968.

David enlisted in the Marines prior to obtaining his bachelor’s degree from MTSU and was then

commissioned by the Marine Corps as an officer upon his graduation. He commenced officer training

and flight school at that time. David completed his training and was assigned to pilot a CH-46 helicopter

in the combat theatre in Da Nang, Vietnam as a Marine Corps officer. David earned the National Defense

Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, Strike Flight Air Medal with 4 awards,

and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry Medal with Palm.

David’s last year in the Marine Corps brought him a new significant challenge and he rose to the

occasion. New Year's Eve in 1970 a Hurricane raged over Myrtle Beach. Two boys were stranded on a

pier from the ocean surge and the structure was compromised. All rescue craft were grounded at the

nearby Myrtle Beach Air Force Base as 70 knot winds prevented a safe rescue attempt. David and a few

other brave marines flew the CH-46 into the winds and rescued the two boys from the pier. This event

was noted in the newspapers at the time. David was honorably discharged after his faithful service from

the Marines in 1972 as a Captain.

David then went on to law school at Memphis State Law School. David graduated with his

Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1975 and subsequently passed both the Tennessee and Arkansas Bar exams

and became a licensed Tennessee attorney. David held this license from 1975 until his recent passing.

David was hired as an assistant district attorney (DA) for Marshal County, Tennessee directly out of law

school. After one year as an assistant DA, David became a solo practicing attorney in Nashville,

Tennessee, and practiced law in this capacity for the next 45 years. David believed fervently that an

infringement on one person’s rights was an infringement on all our rights.

Although embarking on a law career, David’s service to the country was not over. David became

a pilot for the Tennessee Army National Guard in 1977 where he mainly flew a UH-1 “Huey” helicopter.

His commanding officer stated, “David would always be ready and take initiative”. David was often one

of the first pilots in the air during emergencies. After over 20 years of military service, David retired

from the Army National Guard having attained the rank of Captain and receiving numerous awards and

commendations.

David had many interests and hobbies such as music, with emphasis on old blues, politics, World

War II history, baseball, and airplanes just to name a few. David’s love for airplanes and flight started as

a young man when a relative took him to the observation deck at Nashville’s BNA airport. Barely a week

went by his entire life that he did not visit that observation deck multiple times a week if it were possible. Above all else David loved his wife of almost 33 years, Cheri. David often stated that “I married a

little later in life because I wanted to marry my true love”. He found that in his relationship with Cheri.

Per David’s wishes a cremation has been performed. A celebration of life will be held at a later

date which will be announced on Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton’s Funeral Home’s website and social media.

Family requests no flowers or donations, David would have wanted his friends and family to remember

him in their own way.