David Leslie Wratislaw was born on April 7,1956, to Lovelle Marie and Merle Frederick Wratislaw in Waterloo, Iowa. He was a graduate of Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois and Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration. While attending SMU, he played Alto Saxophone in the Mustang Band and was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.

Following graduation, Dave worked for Austin Commercial Construction Company of Dallas, Texas as a cost accountant. Seeking new adventures, he left Dallas and became a NAUI SCUBA Dive Instructor, as well as a licensed Boat Captain. This took him to the Solomon Islands and Australia where he met the love of his life, Mary Alice Rhodes.

They married in 1988 and moved to North Palm Beach, FL where they lived for 33 years. While in Florida, Dave held numerous positions including SCUBA instructor, Boat Captain, Sheridan Hotel Comptroller, First

Presbyterian Facilities Manager, and Building Inspector, where he spent 25 years specializing in large steel beam construction.

Ever the seasoned captain, Dave navigated summer trips to the Bahamas in their Motor Yacht where the family lived for 15 years before moving to the Village of North Palm Beach. They attended First Presbyterian Church in North Palm where Dave was a deacon, an active member of the choir and saxophonist in the church band. He was a leader in his son’s Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troops. Dave had a passion for history and genealogy, becoming a member and Vice-President of the Palm Beach Chapter, Son’s of the American Revolution and a member of the Palm Beach Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans.

In 2021, Dave and Mary Alice retired and moved to North Charleston and then to Beaufort, SC. There they attended the East Cooper Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant, SC where he played baritone saxophone for their orchestra. He served on the ARB committees for both The Villas of North Charleston and Bull Point Plantation.

David is survived by his devoted wife of 36 years, Mary Alice; son David Leslie Wratislaw, Jr.; brother Fredric S. Wratislaw (Faye); brother-in-law Jack H. Rhodes; three nephews, Lee Wratislaw, Stoney (Lorri) Rhodes, Dusty Rhodes; two nieces, Kim Wratislaw (Michael) Pondrom, Beth Rhodes; and their children. David was preceded in death by his parents Merle and Lovelle Wratislaw.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the chapel of Norris Funeral Home with Dr. Chip Starnes officiating. Burial will follow at Bay Minette Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Sunday, October 20, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until the 2:00 p.m. service at Norris Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice; a no-kill animal shelter; the music department of your church; or The Lending Room, a community service that donates medical equipment regardless of income or insurance for long or short term needs, a collaborative partner with Beaufort Memorial Hospital. The Lending Room is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and can be contacted at 843-524-2554 or lendingroombft@gmail.com. www.LendingRoomBeaufort.com PO Box 1535, Beaufort, SC 29901