Adnan Addada "Andy" Shlon
November 11, 1941 - January 14, 2021
Columbia, South Carolina - Adnan Addada "Andy" Shlon, 79, passed away suddenly at his home on Thursday, January 14, 2021.
A celebration of life will be held 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel. There will also be a livestream of the service on Dunbar Funeral Home – Devine's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DunbarDevine The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
Andy was born November 11, 1941, the seventh of thirteen children to Ahmad and Kawsar Shlon of Lebanese decent.
As a young man he was employed by Kuwait Airlines, which allowed him to tour the world. In 1965, he began his studies in Columbia and started a lifelong love affair with the University of South Carolina Gamecocks and Five Points. He studied bookkeeping but found his true calling was being a deli man and in 1978, he opened "Andy's Deli" on Greene Street.
Andy was an inspiration to many people, to some he was a father figure and role model. He loved everyone and always looked for the best in people. Andy will be remembered as a giver; he enjoyed helping anyone that he could, whether it be by a warm meal or a warmer smile. He greeted everyone by saying "Hello, my dear or hello, my friend" and he meant that. One of his greatest achievements in life was befriending generations of families that he met through the deli.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 50 years, Carole Dew Shlon; two sons, Andrew "Andy" Shlon (Betsy) and Adam Shlon (Diana); three grandchildren, Andrew, Braiden, and Emily; siblings, Kamal Shlon, Majdi Baddourah, and Moe Baddourah; brother-in-law, Michael E. Dew (Pat); sister-in-law, Sandy Hyatt; and many other family members around the world.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local food bank in Andy's honor.
Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The State on Jan. 17, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Adnan Shlon

26 Entries

Jean Perna

January 11, 2023

Andy "My Dear" & your Family,

Learned recently this past year, late in 2022, that your "Dear Carole" has now joined you
This Small town SC USC student from early 1970´s-still remembering Fondly both you & Carole-
jean

[R2-D2 still my favorite sandwich, & My favorite deli: of course, Andy´s Deli ]

W. A. Roberson

January 11, 2023

I was very fond of Andy! He was such a friendly and giving person and a hard-working businessman. I must have eaten at Andy's 1000 times from the 1970's - the early 2000's. Loved the food and the companionship Andy and his staff offered. Unfortunately after learning that I could no longer eat anything with wheat in it, I had to quit going to Andy's long before he passed away. Couldn't bear to go in to the restaurant and smell those wonderful sandwiches I could no longer eat! Andy, his restaurant, and his staff will always be some of the best memories I have of Columbia!

Tina Brannon

June 2, 2021

Hi, I just found out that Mr Schlon passed away. I didn’t know him very well but he was so nice. I don’t usually cry about people that I don’t know that well, but I am. He will definitely be missed.
Tina Brannon

Yvonne Howard

March 13, 2021

I adored him! I would not see him for months, but he always remembered what I would order and I always felt I was his best friend! What a privilege and a blessing to know him.

Ben & Ann Elliott

Planted Trees

Jean

January 30, 2021

Having just read about Andy’s passing, it has brought back a flood of fond memories from many decades ago as USC student & visits to first Groucho’s & later many visits to Andy’s Deli over the years (as a student then even once as a married couple invited to his home along with other friends). Recall his wife & others belly dancing & Andy dancing with a beer on his head & never spilled a drop, then drinking it! Andy impressed me as a truly loving, genuine, caring gentleman of the highest order, beyond reproach.

Andy’s Words I recall most: whether in thank you, greeting or farewell every visit there- Always included “My Dear” - So Andy, “My Dear”, what an especially ‘dear’ place you hold in a small town SC, 1970’s USC girl (& later matured adult’s heart & memories), as well as hearts & memories of Many❣ jean

Buddy Wilson

January 20, 2021

A smile and “Hello my friend”.
If we could all leave something like this for people to remember us by.

Barbara Hevener

January 20, 2021

Dear Carole,
You and your family have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved Andy. I hope that the caring thoughts of your friends, including those of us who formerly were “regulars” at the Drew pool, will help in some small way as you process your grief. Sincerely, Barbara

Emily Tompkins

January 19, 2021

Andy was one of a kind. He will be missed greatly and to his family, please know that he was loved and admired by everyone who knew him.

Cecil and Donna Jackson

January 19, 2021

Carole, We were so saddened to hear of Andy's death. We were there two days before for lunch. We enjoyed our conversations with you. Cecil is the person who gave you the Idaho pictures.
May God Bless you with His Comfort and Peace. We will always remember your bringing lunch to Andy about 2:00 every day. We could feel Andy's love for you and everyone who walked through the door.
Cecil and Donna Jackson

Caroline Brown

January 19, 2021

Mr. Andy was old school manners with love attached. I have been a customer for years. He will be truly missed !! Mrs.Carole l enjoyed our talks together. My prayers are with you. You had the love of your life, and the memories will always be with you. One thing I know JESUS will be your keeper. Please call if you need anything 803-635-3010. We love you. Caroline and David.

Kamal Shlon

January 18, 2021

I am Kamal, Andy’s brother, or as he would introduce me, his baby brother. When people would see us together they would ask if we were related, I would tell them, "yes" and that our last name is not Deli and we all would laugh. Our father was the oldest child in his family and he lost his father when he was young. In the old country, our father would host the family dinners where our house was always full. When Andy came to the United States, having a full house of people eating together reminded him of home. When my father passed, Andy became my brother, my father and most of all my friend. He taught me honesty, good work ethics and the love of other people. In his younger days on Sundays we would do one day projects, which allowed him to spend the day outdoors to build or repair something. After we finished, his wife Carole, who was the sweetheart and a mother figure for all of us, would have food ready for 4 or 30 people depending who showed up that day. He would give us advice by letting us realize the pros and cons and choosing the answer ourselves. We felt that he led us in many directions that affected our lives. He was wise by letting us answer our own questions. He always said "If you love your work, you never have to work for the rest of your life." I hope you realize why having a restaurant with people eating reminded him of being among his family, friends and dears. He would always say "I am visiting with my friends, I am not working." Andy, I will always love you and I will miss you- your baby brother.

Roberta Beatty

January 18, 2021

He was such a kind man. I first met him through Carol. Carol was my sisters best friend in high school and college. My sister is Barbara Beatty Bowers. Carol would you send me your phone number, Barbara would like to have it. I am sending my love.

Gail Shlon

January 18, 2021

I married his kind, sweet brother Kamal in 1986. Andy was just an awesome human being. He loved everyone for who they were. I spoke to him on the phone several time since Christmas. Always had kind words to say. You are resting now Andy. God bless you..

Jim Barroll

January 18, 2021

Andy was my supervisor when I worked at Groucho's for a year while a student at USC in the 70s. He was a hardworking man whom I came to respect and appreciate very quickly. In the decades that followed I would always drop by for a meal even after moving to Charlotte. Based on our early work experience and friendship he insisted on making my meals complimentary. He wouldn't hear any objections. I loved the man just as everyone else came to love him. He was selfless, generous, friendly and a wonderful example of a kindhearted human being. May God richly bless him.

Mac

January 17, 2021

I always enjoyed eating at Andy's Deli. After the first few times I could step up to the counter and he knew my order without my having to tell him. I remember him saying 'I got you all set Mac!.' If I ordered over the phone it was the same thing. How he could remember is beyond me with so many customers. He will be missed by many.

Rest in peace my friend!

Allen Roberson

January 17, 2021

Andy was the most kind-hearted person! I used to eat at Andy's regularly, at least once a week, from when I first moved to Columbia around the time Andy's opened, until around 2008, when I found out I had Celiac and couldn't eat Andy's delicious sandwiches, which broke my heart! He was always so kind, taking time to talk with me when he wasn't busy. All his family and kitchen staff would always greet me and many other customers. I truly admired him and the way he ran his business! He was much more than a good local businessman and his memory will stay in the hearts of hundreds of his customers for the rest of their lives!

Shelley McGeorge

January 17, 2021

My USC years and many years beyond were enriched by Andy's friendly smile and welcome. He was the friendly part of 5 Points and USC. He made a real impact on me and will be greatly missed. Love to his family and wife. Thank you for sharing him with us!

Donna Cross

January 16, 2021

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. Over 40 years of being his customer, Andy always made my friends and me feel so welcome and like family in his deli. He will not be forgotten. My prayers for peace and comfort for his family and friends.

Donna Askins

January 16, 2021

Sending prayers to Andy's family....I've been going to the deli since 1980 and I will miss Andy and the deli terribly. I craved an Andy's Special when I was pregnant with my second child but really I always had a craving whenever I was driving through Columbia. I almost made a detour last weekend on my way to the coast and now I am so very sad that I didn't do it. Enjoy heaven my friend!

Bob and Kim McCord

Sent Flowers

Yazmine R

Planted Trees

D H

January 16, 2021

My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. May the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 comfort your family.

just a student, a bit lost in the big city

January 16, 2021

Rest in Peace, My Friend

Kari

January 16, 2021

Andy was beloved. I hold you all in my heart as you grieve his loss.

Steve Jarrett

January 16, 2021

I’ve eaten at Andy’s deli from the time it was opened and the one constant you could count on was hearing Andy greet you with Hello My Friend. My wife and I drove 40 miles two weeks ago just to eat at his restaurant and we spoke about how long he had been there. Andy was one of the things that makes America the greatest country in the world where a man can come from another country and run a successful business for over 40 years. Andy will be missed by so many. Rest In Peace brother.

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