Larry Bragg Named 2022 Ashby Ward Pioneer of the Year

Lawrence “Larry” Felton Bragg lived a life of service. Honoring his commitment to The Beach, Bragg was awarded the chamber’s 2022 Ashby Ward Pioneer of the Year Award sponsored by Carolina Cool.

The late Ashby Ward, president and chief executive officer of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce for nearly 30 years, exemplified the word pioneer. Each year, the past chairs of the chamber’s board of directors nominate and select someone for the Ashby Ward Pioneer of the Year Award which recognizes recognize individuals who have had a positive impact on the Grand Strand. Bragg was honored at the chamber’s annual meeting April 21 where his sister Terri Crowley, accepted the award on his behalf.

He was the second born of five children of Horace Felton and Olive “Pat” Drawdy Bragg. Bragg grew up in Savannah Georgia and was a good brother, son and friend – always kind, always generous, always lending a hand.

Bragg was active in the theater in his childhood and started working as soon as he could – starting with a paper route, riding his bike to deliver the newspaper. He’d often let his little sister Terri come with him, riding on the handlebars as he weaved his route and purchasing her a candy necklace with money he earned.

Bragg went to Armstrong State College before joining the U.S. Air Force.

His military career brought him to Myrtle Beach where he fell in love with the area and made it his home.

Bragg was committed to service and contributing to the community. He was a founder of the Grand Strand YMCA and a board member for the Grand Strand Humane Society among other volunteer roles.

He served as chair of the city’s Community Appearance Board for 36 years, stepping down only to give his full energy to battling illness. The CAB is a state-authorized board of architectural review tasked with approving the external look of buildings across the city. Bragg’s leadership on the CAB helped shaped The Beach into what we know today.