Brien Gregorie Obituary

Brien Gregorie CHARLESTON - Brien Anderson Gregorie, age 67, passed away on December 21, 2024 after a long illness. He was the son of Dr. Henry (Harry) B. Gregorie, MD Jr. and Jane Ward Gregorie and was born on May 2, 1957 in Rock Hill, SC. Brien was raised and lived most of his life in Charleston, SC and was predeceased by his sister, Dicksie G. Johnson (Francis), his father (Dr. Harry B. Gregorie, Jr.) and his ex-wife, Margaret Branch Gregorie, who passed away in May 2024. Brien is survived by his son, Andrew of St. Augustine, FL and son, Alexander (Alex) of Charleston, along with his brother, Harry Gregorie, III (Cathy) of Charleston, sister, Etta G. Connolly (Tommy) of Mt. Pleasant, sister, Becky G. Baird (David) of Ravenel, SC, sister, Ann G. Kulze (John) of Charleston and sister, Jane Gregorie (Greg) of Denver, CO. Brien also leaves behind 21 nieces and nephews and 11 grandnieces and nephews. As a child, Brien was primarily raised downtown and West of the Ashley. A lover of the Lowcountry, Brien was an accomplished boater and plied the waters nearby in the family's 13.3 foot Boston Whaler that was conspicuously overpowered by a 50HP motor he hoodwinked his Father to provide. This allowed him to set himself apart from most mortals as he was one of the few known in the area in his youth to barefoot water ski. If that wasn't enough to impress his peers, he went on to set an unofficial record for the most jumps off the Wappoo Cut bridge at 28. Brien was a 1975 graduate of St. Andrews High School. He matriculated at The Citadel and was a proud member of Alpha Company. He received his BA in Business Administration there as a member of the Class of 1979. At the Military College of SC, he was a member of the sailing team, and became the most proficient marcher in his class by virtue of the record number of demerits he accumulated as a cadet. He might have achieved a school record had he not prevailed upon the late Governor Jim Edwards to issue a pardon in his case prior to graduation after submitting an official letter of request which was gratefully approved. His Citadel diploma and the friendships he shared there on the banks of the Ashley River meant the world to him. Brien's professional pursuits were as varied as his outgoing, affable personality. He mostly worked in the construction and property management business but for a time moved with his family to Hollywood, CA to pursue his dream of becoming a professional actor in television and movies. A member of the Screen Actors Guild, his credits include The Act (2019), Halloween (2018), One Tree Hill (2003) and Contact (1997). He also performed with local theaters including the Dock Street Theatre. Of all things Brien loved in life, he loved his two sons, Andrew and Alex, the most. His sons credit their dad by instilling a sense of adventure in their lives at an early age. Brien was always creating ways to keep the fun factor at an all time high. This often included lots of toys ranging from go karts, dirt bikes, paintball gear, skateboards, rope swings, and surfboards. Of all the toys, the surfboards caught on the most. Andrew and Alex quickly immersed themselves into the local competitive surf scene with the help of their dad. Brien loved being involved with the local surf community. His favorite part was grabbing the microphone during the events and being the resident MC all day long at Folly Beach. He also put forth many volunteer hours and fundraising efforts to help the local Eastern Surfing Association chapter thrive during those years. The boy's love for surfing did not stay local. Brien toted the boys up and down the east coast to compete in a variety of scholastic amateur surfing events. The regional events often lead to summers in California competing in national events. It truly was a joy for Brien to travel alongside his two sons during their formative years, encouraging them to do what they loved. Many lessons were learned along the way. Andrew and Alex still share a strong bond over the love for surfing that their father was instrumental in creating. Brien always pushed his sons to strive and achieve academically. Andrew and Alex both graduated from Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL where they competed on the school's surf team all through their college years. Just like their younger days, their dad was usually alongside them at the events to cheer them on. Brien quickly became the "cool surf dad" among the students and was a fan favorite anytime he came to visit. He again volunteered, without being asked of course, to be the surf team chaperone for many years while his boys were attending Flagler College. Outside of surfing, his son's credit Brien for their love of nature, hunting, fishing, sharp manners, hospitality, and always being kind and welcoming to others. Brien was confirmed at St. Philip's Church downtown, where he remained a member. For years, he was an active Lay-reader there and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Kind, compassionate and outgoing, he never spoke disparagingly of others and was always very popular among a large network of friends and family, near and far. By far, Brien's greatest and proudest accomplishment were his two sons, Andrew and Alex, whom he adored. Nothing gave him more pleasure than spending time with his large, extended family but particularly his two boys that share Brien's zest for other people, the outdoors and the ocean. The family is at peace and consoled in knowing that Brien had faith in Jesus Christ and was a believer. We all look forward to the day when we can be reunited in heaven. A memorial service to celebrate Brien's life will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 2pm at St Philip's Church, 142 Church St., Charleston, SC. Brien's ashes will be spread later this year in a private family ceremony. In memory of Brien, please consider a donation to the Lowcountry Land Trust, attn. Advancement, 635 Rutledge Ave., Suite 107, Charleston, SC 29403 or the sailing program at The Citadel via The Citadel Foundation, 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, SC, 29409. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting www.jhenrysthur.com.