Gary Brand Obituary

Gary Brand Mt. Pleasant - Gary Alton Brand, age 62 of Mount Pleasant, SC went to be with the Lord on Wed., Sept. 12, 2018 due to complications of ALS. He was born in Catskill, NY to Alton and Alice Brand and was raised in Conesville, NY. He graduated from the Gilboa Central School in 1974 and enlisted as an airman in the United States Air Force. Gary was an F4 mechanic and reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. After enlistment, he attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University earning a B.S. in Business Management, and an A.S. in Professional Aeronautics and Aviation Management. He re-entered the Air Force as an officer and became a B-52 Radar Navigator. On assignment at Castle AFB as a Radar Navigation Instructor, Gary earned an M.B.A. from Golden Gate University. During his 30+ years in the Air Force Gary earned an M.S. in Military Strategy from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, PA and became an instructor at Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA. Colonel Gary A. Brand was pinned at Minot AFB, in North Dakota and served as the Base Installation General. His final assignment was as commander of the Air Force National Security & Emergency Preparedness (AFNSEP) organization. During that time, he was directly involved in the Air Force's response team for Hurricane Katrina and the Minnesota bridge collapse in 2005. Col. Brand retired from the Air Force in 2008 leaving a unique legacy of being both an enlisted Airman and officer. After retirement, he served in the private sector as a program management professional. Gary believed in the Airman's creed: "Service before self." He will be greatly missed for his love of life, family, and country. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Renee Evers, his daughter Alexandra Brand, eldest daughter Megan Poff, son-in-law, Jay Poff; grandsons, Brendan and Jameson "Jake" Poff of Strasburg, PA. He is also survived by his Mother, Alice Brand of Conesville, NY, sister Connie Joe VanValkenburgh (Jack) of Gilboa, NY, his brothers Timothy Brand (Darcy) of Prattsville, NY and Thomas Brand (Debra) of Gilboa, NY and a plethora of nieces and nephews. "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles." Isaiah 40:31 Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Sep. 23 to Sep. 24, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Brand

15 Entries

Jeff Brown

September 29, 2023

Gary was my instructor at Castle AFB in 1989 and stood up with me at my wedding in Sacramento. Gary was a great officer and friend.
Jeff and Danna Brown

Mike Hagen

October 19, 2018

Gary was also my instructor at Castle when I trained with Col J.D. Brown. He was a terrific instructor and Airman and there is no doubt he served his country well and is now resting in Jesus. I'll see you later Brando

October 18, 2018

Gary was my instructor at Castle AFB in 1989 and was a groomsman at my wedding. He was a great officer, gentleman and friend. May God hold him in the palm of his hand.

Col Jeff JD Brown, ret

Ken Fritz

October 4, 2018

I had the privilege of working with Gary at the Joint Forces Staff College and enjoyed his outstanding and positive attitude. A super guy on many levels. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family. He's home now...Praise God!

Barb Cooke

September 27, 2018

Sincere sympathy to Alice and everyone. Finally his pain is gone. May he fly high with the angels.

September 25, 2018

You I Will see you in glory land Gary! Fly high, you fought the battle and won! Rest in glory Gary.
You were an inspiration to all that came in contact with you and such a true man of God! You have touched and blessed many with your presence.
My prayers and condolences to Aunt Alice,Connie,Tim,Tom,Megan and to the entire Brand family. Love in Christ Jesus, Denise Leber

September 25, 2018

The entire Thorpe family, past and present share their condolences for Gary's family. He comes from good stock. Thinking of you Alice, and your entire family.
Here's to a life honorably and well lived,

Nancy Thorpe Kelley

September 25, 2018

Gary you are with the angels now. Be at peace you gave it a good fight. Love you forever, Paul & Holly

Kathleen Cottone Warner

September 24, 2018

Sincere sympathy to all of Gary's family. May God comfort you all. Sending love and prayers.

Candy Timm

September 24, 2018

Cousin Gary, you will be be missed. You were a great man, who served your country proudly, and I say now, fly high with the angels.Love, Candy

September 24, 2018

Deepest sympathy to the family of Gary Brand. Joe and Lori Gustin

Pete Fox

September 24, 2018

Gary was truly one of the good guys in life. I will always remember his sense of fun, but, more than that, he was genuine, respectful and motivated. We will all miss him, but we will also always remember him. His was a life well-lived.

Don & Kaye Dyson

September 24, 2018

Our deepest sympathy to the Brand family. Gary was a special person and may you find comfort in knowing that he is now at peace.

Donald & Kaye Dyson

September 24, 2018

Rest in peace Gary.
Love you Don & Kaye

September 24, 2018

My deepest sympathy to you the Brand Family for your loss. I have hope that you find Comfort from the God of Comfort because he Cares for you.1Peter 5:6,7.

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