Mr Daniel Aiken Dyches III

IRMO - Daniel Aiken Dyches, III, was born May 5, 1949 and died April 5, 2007, in Columbia, S.C. �Danny� was a resident of Irmo and grew up near Charleston, South Carolina where he lettered in four sports each year at Hanahan High school. Danny accepted a scholarship to play football at the University of South Carolina from 1968-71. He was the center for the only USC team to win a conference championship. His team played in the first USC post-season bowl, the Peach Bowl, in 1969. Danny often said that the greatest accomplishment of his team � the Battling Biddies � was defeating Clemson for 4 years � one year as a freshman team and three years as a varsity team. Following graduation, he played with the NY Jets and the Buffalo Bills and coached high school football at James Island and Hanahan High Schools before settling into his lifelong career in sales. For more than 40 years, Danny has remained a loyal �Carolina� fan as evidenced by his involvement as member and former president of the USC Lettermen�s Association, past president of the Columbia Touchdown Club, and Gamecock Club Fan of the Year. As an active member of Union United Methodist Church in Irmo, he served as a teacher for vacation bible school each summer. His love for children was also evident through his work as a mentor for students benefiting from adult role models. He received the District Five Mentor of the Year award for his work as a mentor at Crossroads Middle School and Seven Oaks Elementary School. Before his illness, Danny was an avid golfer who could often be found on the golf course with his former Carolina teammates or his Coldstream Country Club friends. In 1998, Danny�s life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. Facing incredibly grim statistics and extensive surgeries and treatments, Danny showed the same commitment and determination that served him well as an athlete. In addition, he had the wisdom of his medical team and the support of his loving wife and daughter, his mother, sister, and many friends. As a result, he was able enjoy eight and a half additional years of quality life experiences To cope with the challenges of his treatment, Danny began to express himself through watercolor painting. Since 2001 Danny created more than 100 watercolors, some of which were on display at the BankMeridian in an art show titled �Seasons of Hope.� Danny�s artwork and story of survival titled �All the Colors of Hope� were featured in The State newspaper in February of this year. Danny is survived by his devoted wife of 34 years, Betsy; his precious daughter, Katie Barthel (husband, Aaron); his mother, Mildred Dyches of Hanahan, S.C.; sister, Roxy Robinson Kinsey (husband, Norman); and mother-in-law Ann Adams. He is preceded in death by his father, Daniel Aiken Dyches, Jr., and brother, Tim Dyches. Danny�s influence and inspiration also includes an enormous network of friends and family too numerous to mention. He constantly expressed his gratitude to his wife, daughter, family, and friends for their support and encouragement. All who knew him will greatly miss Danny�s fighting spirit, focused determination, unfailing humor, and gentle spirit. The family members would like to express their gratitude and appreciation for the wisdom and compassion of Dr. Tripp Jones, nurse (angel) Linda Byers at the South Carolina Oncology Center, the nurses at Lexington Medical Center (you know who you are), and all of the many family and friends who have given sustained support throughout this journey. The family will receive visitors Monday, April 9, from 1:30-3:30pm with a memorial service to follow at 4:00pm. Both the visitation and the �Celebration of Life� service for Danny�s entrance into the Lord�s gracious kingdom will be held at Union United Methodist Church in Irmo, S.C. A scholarship is being established for the Danny Dyches Fighting Spirit Award to be given to a deserving individual who has overcome obstacles. Memorial donations may be made to the �Danny Dyches Fighting Spirit Award� , c/o BankMeridian, 1320 Main Street, Suite 175, Columbia, S.C. 29201, attention Taylor Gains.