INDIAN LAND, SC – Dale Carter of Indian Land, SC passed away on August 29, 2024.  Dale was the oldest child of Jane and Don Carter.  He was an Ohio native, he felt himself blessed to be transplanted to the South many years ago.  He attended St. Francis De Sales High School in Toledo, Ohio.

Dale was an excellent storyteller of truth and tall tales.  He loved taking motorcycle trips with his son, Jeff, on the Blue Ridge Parkway and through several southern states.  His younger days were filled with fishing, hunting, and camping with family.   Life with his wife, Wendy, brought rail travel trips to Europe, day trips with no destination in mind and he loved exploring new places in the US and abroad.  The road might take him to Beaufort, SC, or Beaufort, NC, or all the way to Pine Island, FL.  His adventures took him to Alaska, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Iceland, Nova Scotia, Bermuda, Mexico, and most US states and Caribbean Islands.  These adventures allowed him to explore one of his favorite hobbies, photography; where he captured the beauty of everywhere he traveled and the precious moments with his loved ones.  His love for adventure was unmatched, a trait his family hopes to carry forward in their own lives.

Generous to a fault with children and grandchildren, just don't let them try to pick up the check!  He had a childish, charismatic nature and could talk to anyone, anywhere.  For Dale, we all knew a hat was more than just an accessory; it was an extension of his personality, each one reflecting a different side of the man, the myth, the legend. Often his accessories were an icebreaker to a memorable conversation that led to meaningful connections across the world. Dale was a connoisseur of good food and drink, especially oysters, bourbon, and a good crème brulee.

His favorite restaurants were never chains, from the original Zorba's in Irmo to local BBQ restaurants from the East Coast to Texas.  He was also a fan of all things SC Gamecocks; he always knew the score.  Dale was a founding member of the Irmo Soccer Association which eventually grew into a premier travel league in the area and where he met his wife, Wendy.

Fall always brought another year for Shotmaker golf with his brother Ken and lifelong friends for over 25 years.  They will all miss their friend, "Firestick".

Celebrating many milestone events with grandchildren was always high on the list and he was happiest when he saw all of them in one week.  Sunday dinners in our children's homes were always interrupted by the obligatory call from Wendy and Dale to catch up with everyone.  Sorry kids for delaying dinner so many times.

Dale is survived by his wife Wendy of almost 35 years, son Jeff and wife Theresa, son Lance and wife Hallie, and son Chad and wife Betsy.  Grandchildren so precious to him are Tiffany and her husband Justin, Zac, Durant, Ward, Maggie, and Alec.  The crowning jewel for our Bonkyman and Pappy was the birth of his great-grandson Milo.  Dale likes to say that grandkids made him grand, but Milo made him great.  Brother Ken Carter and sisters Kathy Schoonmaker and Susan Kujawa mourn his loss as well.  He was preceded in death by his parents Jane and Don Carter and Wendy's parents, Sis and Sam Sherrill who accepted him in their absence.

Dale lived his life to the fullest and left it all on the field.  Dale's humor and warm presence made everyone feel welcome, whether through his social business card, a quick-witted joke, or simply being himself.  His mission in life was to put a smile on a stranger's face every day.  His memory will be kept alive each time we make a stranger smile.

A Celebration of Life to share your favorite "Tales of Dale" will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, Saturday, October 5th, 2024 in the Bowers and Catawba rooms at the Sun City Carolina Lakes Lakehouse located at 1353 Del Webb Blvd., Indian Land, SC 29707.