David Lee Behrend, Jr., of Saint Simons Island, Ga., passed away April 25, 2017 at age 53. He was born in Towanda, Pa., October 31, 1963 to David Lee Behrend, Sr., and Barbara Behrend (Place). On September 14, 1991, he married Meg Behrend (McGowan), who survives.
Dave graduated from the University of Alabama in 1994 with a M.Sc. in Criminal Justice and from Defiance College in 1986 with a B.Sc. in Criminal Justice. From 1983-1984, Dave served as Vice President of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) Fraternity. He was a member of the American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS), where he earned certification as a Protection Specialist (CPP) and a Fraud Examiner (CFE). He was also a member of F&AM Blue Lodge 618, Rose Croux, 32 Degree, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers’ Association (FLEOA) and the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA).
Dave’s stellar career in law enforcement began in 1987 as a Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, spanning 12 years in the greater Philadelphia-Washington, D.C. area, Birmingham, Al., and Brunswick, Ga. His investigation of gun theft and trafficking at Ft. Benning, Ga., was showcased by The History Channel’s “Going Under,” a documentary highlighting his role in the investigation of White Supremacy groups. In 1999, he became a Supervisory Criminal Investigator for the Department of Homeland Security – Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, retiring as the Chief of Investigations and Security in 2013.
Dave is known by many throughout the local Glynn County Community for his enthusiasm and commitment to youth athletics. He was a coach for Glynn County Soccer and Football teams for more than 15 years. The highlight of his coaching career culminated with Bart Altman and the Glynn County “Red Death” Broncos going to the Offensive—Defensive Youth National Championship Finals.
Dave was a loving son, brother, husband and father. He is survived by daughter Kelsey Behrend of Valdosta, Ga; son Connor Behrend of Saint Simons Island, Ga and, sister Heidi Behrend, Wyalusing, Pa. Dave’s captivating and colorful stories brought much laughter and joy. His kind-heart and fierce loyalty will be missed by all those who knew him.
The family will receive visitors on Sunday, April 30, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home, 3321 Glynn Avenue, Brunswick, Ga. 31520.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 1, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., at Saint Simons Community Church, 2700 Frederica Road, Saint Simons Island, Ga., where Reverend David Yarborough is to officiate. Interment will follow with a funeral cortege to Oglethorpe Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A live link will be available at 10:00 a.m. for those unable to attend the service. Please access the link at: sscclive.com.
A memorial service will also be held Sunday, May 7, 2017 at 3:30 p.m., at Wyalusing United Methodist Church, 85 Church Street, Wyalusing, Pa.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dave Behrend Soccer Scholarship Fund for a graduating senior male soccer player in Dave’s honor. Make checks payable to Behrend Scholarship Fund, Glynn Academy Soccer, 1001 Mansfield Street, Brunswick, Ga. 31520.
Donations may also be sent to the Wyalusing United Methodist Church’s Sunday School Program at Post Office Box 15, Wyalusing, Pa. 18853.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18