David Benjamin Graves

David Benjamin Graves, age 49, beloved husband of Carter Graves, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Ben was born June 27, 1974 in Camden, South Carolina and was a graduate of Camden High School. After graduating high school, Ben attended and graduated from the University of South Carolina Honors College and the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law. Ben also served as a Rotary Ambassador Scholar at the London School of Economics. Upon graduating from law school, Ben worked at the McNair Law Firm. After spending three years practicing real estate law, Ben began a career in real estate development, ultimately launching a multifamily division for a national development corporation where he served as president of the division for 12 years. Ben then made the transition to entrepreneur where he established his own real estate development company, Longbranch Development, focusing on multifamily development projects spanning from Texas to Florida and throughout the Southeast partnering with some of the largest real estate and investment firms in the United States. In addition to managing his successful career in real estate, Ben dedicated time to his church, various charities, business organizations, and his alma mater. These activities included being a member of both Westminster Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg and YPO’s Southern 7 chapter. Ben also served on the board of the University of South Carolina Development Foundation and committed countless hours to the university beyond this responsibility. Ben was as passionate a Gamecock as anyone. Ben’s deep-seated intellectual curiosity, unrelenting pursuit for excellence, and genuine love for life influenced everything he did. Whether it was his stellar academic and business careers, his love and mastery for hunting and fishing, his world-class waterskiing skills, or his unique ability to effortlessly solve complex problems with wisdom beyond his years, Ben always distinguished himself. Ben was also the consummate friend. His compassion, integrity, witty sense of humor, and generous nature fostered many deep and enduring relationships. A profoundly spiritual man, Ben’s intimate relationship with God and Church provided the foundation upon which he lived his life each day. However, where Ben distinguished himself most of all was as a husband and father. Ben’s devotion to his family was selfless and paramount. Nothing gave Ben more pleasure and instilled more pride than spending time with his family and raising his two sons with Carter. His intense, unwavering devotion to family will ensure Ben’s legacy will be carried on by his sons, Houston and Gibson, in a manner that would have made him exceedingly proud. It is indisputable that Ben was born to be a husband, father and friend. His physical presence will be so dearly missed. Ben will be survived by his wife of 24 years, Carter Newman Graves; his sons, Houston (20) and Gibson (18); his parents, David M. and Barbara R. Graves; his sister, Meg Collins, and her husband, Darian; his nephew, Henri Collins; and his mother and father in-law, Beverly and Everette Newman. A celebration of life service for Ben will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024 at 1:00pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church Spartanburg, 309 Fernwood Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29307. In remembrance of Ben, contributions may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church Spartanburg (309 Fernwood Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29307), GoForth Recovery (https://goforthrecovery.com/support-donate/ PO Box 6560, Spartanburg, SC 29304) or any other charity of one’s choice.