Francis Wham Obituary

Francis Condon Wham JAMES ISLAND - Francis Condon Wham, 69, known by most everyone as "Bud," entered into eternal rest at his home on James Island on October 30, 2025, after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was predeceased by his loving parents Joseph Walter Wham, Sr. and Carolyn Condon Wham; and by his brother, Richard Mark ("Ricky") Wham. He is survived by his wife of twenty-seven years, Diane Capanna Current; by his son, Francis Condon Wham, Jr. (Briana) of State College, Pennsylvania; and his daughter, Kelsey Condon Wham Quillen (Matthew) of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; and also by his stepdaughter, Elizabeth Current Hook (James) of West Columbia, South Carolina; and by his brother, Joseph Walter Wham, Jr. (Jacquelyn) of Charleston, South Carolina; as well as his grandchildren, Hayden Cash Quillen, Cole Joseph Quillen, Violet Quinn Wham, Georgia Lynn Wham, and step-grandchildren, James DeWitt Hook, Jr., Preston Morgan Hook, and Anna Catherine Hook; several nephews; cousins; and many other relatives including his mother-in-law, Josephine Capanna, with whom he graciously shared his home for much of the last twenty-five years. He had many furry companions over the years, but none who loved him more than his dog "Gilbert" who was faithfully by his side during his illness. Bud was born May 16, 1956. He attended Catholic schools and was a 1974 graduate of Bishop England High School, where he played football until suffering a "career-ending" knee injury. While attending the College of Charleston, he joined the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, and he remained friends with many of his "ATO" brothers over the years. An active member of the Charleston community, Bud served on the Bishop England Advisory Board for several years and as President of the Triple B Booster Club. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus (704) and also served as President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was an active member of the Saint Patricks' Day Parade Committee and proudly played a key role in the organization and promotion of the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Charleston. He joined the James Island Yacht Club, where he made several lasting memories, and helped to continue and reorganize a monthly poker club that was rarely missed by the regulars. He was a member of the Notre Dame Club of Charleston and, as an avid Notre Dame football fan, enjoyed many trips to Notre Dame over the years both with family and with friends. Bud was in business for many years as an independent contractor, bringing his construction-related skills to homes and businesses across the Lowcountry. He was known for his artistic attention to detail and unmatched workmanship. From late 2013 to the time of his death, he was a dedicated employee of SouthState Bank, where he put his talents to work as a construction loan inspector and where he made dear friends who were a source of great comfort to him as his disease progressed. Bud knew how to have a good time but rarely took time just for himself. He enjoyed traveling, but preferred being at home, working around the house or in the yard. His family was his greatest joy, and his favorite activities were making memories with them over the years, whether on a trip to Disney World, attending concerts, or just boating in the harbor. He enjoyed creating family traditions and celebrating special occasions from birthdays to Turkey Day and Bridge Runs, St. Patrick's Day celebrations, and oyster roasts on "Christmas Adam." He especially loved Christmas, carefully choosing and decorating the most beautiful live Christmas tree on Condon Drive. Bud was always willing to help his neighbors, his co-workers, and his friends and family in any way and at any time. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. A Vigil will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, November 7, 2025, at James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston, during which the praying of the Rosary will take place at approximately 5:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Saint Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 990 Etiwan Park Street, on Daniel Island in Charleston. A private inurnment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery on James Island at a later date. Family and friends attending Bud's services are invited to wear a bit of green as a symbol of their love and affection for him. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made in Bud's honor to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10306 (visit T2T.org to download a memorial donation form), or to the Charleston Saint Patrick's Day Parade Committee at PO Box 31256, Charleston, South Carolina 29417. Arrangements by James A. McAlister Funerals and Cremation (843) 766-1365 http:// www.jamesamcalister.com