Ian Dial

I think of you often, Ian. I remember what a profound impact you made on others in living in accountability to the one living God. Those you impacted became closer to walking the walk when you were here. That dissipated much when you left us. May everyone remember your honor, your spirit and walk in the light as we grow closer to meeting the one you always spoke of and loved with all your heart, your light...Jesus Christ. You never tried to gain others approval, rather you proudly shared your love and faith in Him. I often feel your presence when I pray as I see you in my memory. I look forward to the day I see you again. Another year since you left us today. Though we may feel sorrow and pain for your loss, it is another year of celebration of the beautiful day you arrived in the presence of the one you lived for.

Thinking about my brother and the fact that it was about this same time ten years ago that I came home to hear screaming coming from my children as they had learned Ian had passed away. Spring will forever carry with it that sense of loss even as it suggests new beginnings. I say “ hello” to him often, just in case he can hear me. And I miss his presence more than words can say. He was a rock in my crazy world, a solid foundation when everything else seemed to be crumbling. How many times I have needed his perspective over the last decade. My daughter is in labor at this moment and may have my first grandchild on this fateful day. And if so, I’m sure Ian is in heaven laughing at the irony.

Thought of Ian a few weeks ago while passing by his former residence. Was on my way out of town to visit family until this present pandemic tapers off . Remembered when he mentioned a scene for the movie Contagion was being filmed in front of his building that he was eager to see. May his profound legacy continue living on forever!

Profound story of love, friendship, and spiritual presence! Be at peace!

Hard to believe it has been 8 years. I am sure you and Chris are having a grand time in heaven. Thinking about you today and that wonderful smile. Cherished memories.

Missing you brother as you dance in heaven. 8 years, I will never forget the last time I saw you.

Ian was a great friend and business partner of mine. He was always more concerned and caring of others well-being over his own. He was also the most honest and unselfish person you'd ever have the pleasure to meet. You run across many people in life, but few that leave behind such a strong impact with a solid sense of purpose the way that he did. The day of his passing, him and I were working together on a company project that he excelled in and the client loved. He was humble and didn't want to show how happy he was. However, he just couldn't help but exude his well-deserved confidence and contentment after realizing himself how talented he really was. This I noticed because he couldn't hide his extended smile if he wanted to. A few hours prior to his passing, he asked if we could put together a website where if people passed, others could leave a note behind about how they made an impact on them. At that time, we didn't know this site was already there, and didn't realize he'd pass peacefully a few hours later.

Regardless, I just want to take this time to say thank you Ian Dial for all the great blessings and examples "you" left behind that are apparent in the various postings on this website. You had a fascination with shooting stars, and for a man that's given his heart to so many others the way you did, I'm sure you are now one of them. You served your purpose that was set out for you, and your legacy will live on infinitely. In the interim, your family, myself and your other true friends will of course miss you. However, we understand there is a time and purpose, and must rest in peace knowing that you are well taken care of in the best place you could possibly be.

Still in our thoughts and cherishing the many memories.

6 years and so much has happened. Man we would have so much to talk about in Politics!!! Its nice to see others have not forgotten you. Til we meet again buddy,your in my heart !!

Larry

❤

Still hard to believe you are gone. Even though it had been a while since I saw you before you passed, I still think of you often and remembering the smile. We had a lot of good times over at Dana's grandmothers house just hanging out. As we end the Christmas holidays just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you. I am sure you are smiling down from heaven on your family and friends. You are loved by so many.

In the short time I knew Ian before his death, he had shown my family more love, compassion, non-judgement, mercy and giving than anyone I had ever met. He was never ashamed to express his love and belief in the Creator. He was never too arrogant to be there for the least of us. Raising my kids in a 2 bedroom apartment on twin mattresses on the floor, he made us beds out of my storage bins and set them up for us. He brought in an entertainment center near the garbage area of my apartment. He hung up my heavy framed wild horse picture in my kitchen because I could not lift it myself. He was motivated to make us a home out of the little we had.We could not go up north for Thanksgiving so he brought Thanksgiving to us in our apartment that day. He shared his love, his time, his efforts and his Faith. He had shown the meaning of the Creator more than anyone I have ever met. Although he left us for the arms of God, he will always be loved and remembered as the light of his love and spirit lives on.

To me, this song represents Ian; how he felt about God, how he shared God to all without fear or shame, but rather in love for all that he met.
Though he ran into the arms and love of God, he never realized how much he was and still is...a light of love for all of us.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au3EGgISYMc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au3EGgISYMc

As I read the many wonderful comments left by Ian's closest friends, I am somewhere between laughter and tears. Ian was my younger brother and his loss is felt every day. He was truly an amazing person. In fact, I would describe him as such to others when he was alive and I have a million stories about him that proves the point. I will never get over losing him. He was more than a brother, he was also my best friend. Thank you all for the wonderful memories shared. It eases our pain to know that he left the same legacy with you that he left with us. God bless you all!

Went to Chicago August 29, many of my thoughts were on you my friend.
Can not wait to see you in our fathers kingdom.

Larry

i love getting updates from Ian's guest book. i spent many a day traveling thru Chicago and was awesme to sit at a cafe and chat with him for a couple hours! i miss that!

It's been just over four years now since Ian left us. He is remembered every bit the same though, and his strong presence and the example he left behind remains forever. God uses some as a light to guide others, leave examples, vanish ignorance, and give those that don't know him the opportunity by going through such chosen vessels as he did with Ian. He held a strong presence when walking in a room, had a dignified character, faith and a good soul. He was a man of wonder, curious about the universe, how things worked, and would debate the questions that didn't have answers. His eyes revealed the truth, and he always stood up for what was right regardless of the situation. He was a seeker of solidarity in the divine knowledge he was given to help others, especially the last few years of his life. What he had, all the money in the world couldn't buy, and somehow you knew that he knew that. Instead of being arrogant and self righteous as most people are when given such gifts, he was very humble, astute and yet stood solid no matter what or who would challenge him. He went above and beyond fulfilling his purpose he was placed on this earth for, made great differences in the world, and will always be remembered and highly respected for this by many! The sunrises and shooting stars he used to love to watch are now his playground. He was blessed among many to see beyond the tangible things of this earth that all eventually disintegrate, and held out patiently for what was to come. It almost makes one wonder how many others will have that same chance to pass away with such peace and dignity in their heart and soul as he had. Thank you God for placing people such as Ian Dial in this world and in our lives. Legacies such as his continue to be effective and unforgettable for eternity!
God bless his family, friends, and all those lives he touched and made a great difference in.

The Ian I knew always showed a deep love and concern for all and from his heart wrote this beautiful poem which reflects that
"May your spirit self guide you down your chosen path.
May the oak touch you with its shadow when you are in need of shade.
May the waters wet your lips that they may not crack with dryness.
May the sun shine bright that it may show you the dangers that lay ahead.
May the beasts of the forests give you life and protect you from the cold of winter.
May He that maketh all that is, lead you to a land of the promised.
Where the waters run crystal clear and full of life."
Ian Dial

I miss Ian every day . I only meet his parents  a few times., I would like to visit him show my respects to a great friend of my life. Someone always happy showings everyone respect. I just want him and his loved ones, family he will aways be in many friends memory. Never forgotten. Its said we all leave a legacy behind . His plain and simply loving caring person . I believe we all have a purpose in live. He helped many people in there journey of life. He got to knock a few off his Buck list. Things he wanted to experience. Sometimes God has other plans for us in this life. You will always hold special place as my friend and in my heart.

My name is Christy. I am a dental assistant that met Ian about 15 years ago. He was then working for Nolan Faircloth. He was a sweet, handsome, playful guy. I always loved seeing him and joking around with him. The last time I saw Ian, was in Fayetteville. We had not seen one another in a while. We saw one another and he had this gorgeous smile for me. He came and gave me a big hug. We sat and chatted a while to catch up. He told me he was soon going to move to Chicago. That was the last time I saw him.
I just spoke with Nolan yesterday and I asked about Ian. I was shocked and sad to hear of his passing. I want to let you, his family, know what a wonderful person Ian was. I also wanted you to know that his life touched everyone he met. I now have a son,he is 6yrs old, and his name is Ian. I thought so much of your son, that I named mine after your son, Ian.
I pray for you his family, that you are comforted knowing how many lives he touched and that he is at peace with his Master. I will also tell my son about the wonderful man that shared his name. God Bless You!!

Miss you brother! What a gift the Creator brought to us in you. Our whole family and all the kids will never forget your kindness, wisdom, strength and love, and how hard you made us laugh too. We look forward to seeing you again and are happy you are at peace with the Creator, Mercy and all your relatives who have gone on before us. See you later my brother!

Honoring and remembering my friend Ian. May we continue to reflect on a life well lived. Remembering that great big laugh and so many years of good times! The Dial family is in my prayers today!

I think of you... Always and miss the Good Times we had With Our Family... I know you have Peace in Heaven With God and we'll All meet again... Ian... With Dillon... "We'll Keep The Light Shining In Jesus!"

I honestly don't feel that we truly lost you but that you are enjoying the much deserved light of our Father's Love; awaiting with hope that each of us stay on the right path like you showed us when you were here. Your love for us all gave us insight and strength to turn away from the darkness and to the light...the same light where you now live...and where we will meet you again Ian.. our precious and loving brother..

Did You Know Ian?

I know Ian as a matter of fact. I know when he was born. He was a happy baby, he had this great big grin. Ian was a boy with many interests his favorite food was cereal, he use to say, he was going to run to the grocery store when he grew up so he could eat all the captain crunch he wanted. Ian loved to take a board and make a train, he would take some small pieces of wood and make a plane. He loved to draw an create things, he would take a empty salt box, color it, and make a drum. He loved to watch TV especially cartoon's which advanced to mystery movies, and science fiction. I can see him now, squatted in the yard drawing in the sand, he loved nature, he loved knowing how things work, he questioned everything. I can hear Ian and the other kids laughing as they watched sitcoms at night on TV.
Ian had a good re pore with all people, he was very kind to them, he always gave people the benefit of the doubt. He was not known for holding his tongue, he pretty much spoke his mind.
Ian was a child, and a man who was very much misunderstood because he didn't take things at face value he questioned. He was not bashful but he was private.
Ian decided to go to college. I think to prove to himself that he could, AND HE DID!!
Ian called home one night and said he was watching Billy Graham on TV and that he had excepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior, it was the best night of my life.
On April 14, 2011 Ian went to Heaven and got to meet Jesus Christ in person. Ian has not been sick that we know of other than feeling a little bad. I believe Jesus called his name and he had to answer.
From what I have been told, Ian had a wonderful day that morning. he did his exercise, came home and went in for a rest, not knowing that he would soon be resting in Jesus.
Ian's sister's and brother, his father and mother, his nieces and nephews and sister-in-law and brother-in-law all miss him. This has been a hard sad year for all of us. But all things are possible in the Lord even in sadness that can truly break your heart.
Yes! I know Ian, he was my son. I truly believe that if he could speak, to his family and his many close friends, he would say, Be Happy For Me! for I have truly found my place, and I think he would say, come, come, and see for you and me, the trip is free of charge, although it cost God our Father his son. Just believe and come and see.

Ian's Mom.

Please read and print Roman's 10 - 9 through 10

Like Jesus who could not be held by death and His loved ones found his tomb empty, I am confident you are in the Holy City with our Father. I ask that you would save a place for me! Until then, we will miss you dear friend.

It has been almost a year since we last heard you laugh and saw you smile....you are still missed...but we know we will see you again...when the Creator calls us home...just as he did you...

Is a difficult thing to think about Ian, and missing him. I can say I loved him like a brother. I cant wait to see him again. My heart aches still. Rest in peace brother.

After high school we became close friends and hung out alot together...we had some GOOD times! I am missing you this Holiday, Ian...I know you're in a better place, my friend. Rest In Peace.

Just thinking about Ian and all the fun holidays we spent together, especially at Christmas time. He will celebrate in Glory this year. He is truly missed.
Always in my heart - Nancy

We miss you Ian. Every time I walk into the dark classroom, before I turn on the lights,I say a little prayer thanking the Great Spirit for allowing us to know you just a little while. Will see you again my friend.

Your Light still shines in our hearts Ian! You were so close as a Son, Brother & a Friend to Me and our Family... you'll be with us in spirit this Holiday Season & Always!

Our Love,
Maureen & Family

We all love and miss you brother...But we feel your spirit here and look forward to seeing you again soon in Heaven!

I'm sorry I never met you in this life, Ian. You were going to help me with a project. You and Dillon had said you would use it as a model for a class project. You were about to graduate, and I looked forward to a chance to meet you in person. You seemed to be a good good man.

Ian your light still shines in our hearts until we see your smile again in Heaven

Rarely a day passes as I drive in the morning sun on the freeway in prayer and feeling Gods spirit comforting me that I also remember Ian and the power of his faith that brought us all closer in our walk with God

Ian, for the short time I knew him, we had great conversations about life, liberty and our saviour Jesus Christ. I cared for him as a literal brother, and I will miss him. There is a hole in my heart tonight. And I will rely on God to fill it, and until that glorious day when we once again are in the company of all the saints and Jesus has taken his rightful place and there we worship him evermore my brother I will see !!

As I look at the blinking cursor of the screen, my heart is overwhelmed with sadness for my dear friend has went home. I had the opportunity to know Ian through the AIAI Program in Chicago. I finished school in December and waited to graduate so we could attend the ceremony togther. In God's wisdom, He had other plans. Although, Ian was not sitting next to me he was there in my heart. Until we meet again in our Father's house, I will miss you! P.S. The only student (besides Dillon 4.0 LOL :)) whose intellect made me think before I spoke in class!

IAN YOU WILL TRUELY BE MISSED.

Ian had a wonderful smile and was a very kind person whom I will miss. To his family and friends he will be missed and we will see u in heaven. My condolences to all. Class of 89

Ian was one of my best friends from school. He always made me laugh & I knew he was a true friend. I will miss not getting to hear his laugh & his honesty. West Robeson Class of '89 has lost a treasure.

Ian was one of my best friends from school. He always made me laugh & I knew he was a true friend. I will miss not getting to hear his laugh & his honesty. West Robeson Class of '89 has lost a treasure.

Ian....my beautiful brother in Christ....may God hold you in his arms of love and peace until we see you again. You have touched all of our lives with your strong love for God and standing for what was right no matter what....We all love and miss you dearly....

For the short time I met this man, I saw in him a nice, respectful, thoughtful human being. I am so glad I got the chance to meet him. You will be missed.

Ian was a very special friend, brother & son to our entire family. He will 'always' be remembered and 'loved' spiritually in our hearts. For his short time on earth, his love & respect for 'Jesus' is a rare but precious gift to me, & to 'all' he touched in our family!

Ian was an impeccable and respectful man of great integrity. His drive was to always do the right thing - no matter what! His greatest love was Jesus Christ! I'm sure he has been given a high place in heaven, and those of us who will be lucky enough to see him again one day will miss him deeply until then.

You will be missed little buddy, we had a good friendship although we knew each other for about a year(thru alex). I still have that pic of u playing with my daughter...

For many years Ian was one of my closest friends. We shared a lot of good times together and made many great memories. Looking back over those memories I have to agree with Vignette, Ian's laugh was infectious and he enjoyed a good laugh with as much intention as anyone I have ever seen. I enjoyed sharing laughter with him. Ian was a passionate and creative person. I am so happy that he took the opportunity to pursue his dreams and live his life to the fullest.

Ian was a great guy and he will be missed by many, many people that loved him dearly. He will always hold a special place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with the Dial family.

Ian was a a close friend of our family here in Chicago. He and my husband Lucas, worked together, carpooled even. His passing came as quite a shock. I think my favorite memory of Ian is probably when he, Dillon, Lucas and I were at Heartland Cafe having breakfast and we still didn't know I was pregnant yet. (I had difficulty getting pregnant) I told Ian, as we were paying and getting ready to leave, that I was nervous. And he pulled me into a tight hug and said "I think you already are". We found out a week later that we were expecting our now 19 month daughter.

Ian will be so very missed. His laugh was infectious.

I became acquainted with Ian through my cousins Jackie Deese (Goins) and Dana Ramseur (Lowery). Even back then Ian made an impact in all our lives as we gathered on weekends at the Lowery house across from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Good memories still remain so vivid in my mind having him around along with many other great friends from Union Chapel, Prospect, Deep Branch and Rowland. I am sending my condolences to his sisters Endora and Lori and to the remainder of Dial family.

Christopher L. Locklear, Greensboro, NC (formerly Union Chapel)

My sympathy to the Dial family. I met Ian thru mutual friends. We shared alot of good times and laughter in Pembroke. He was a very special person and I will always remember his smile. He will always hold a special place in my heart. Even though I have not seen him in years he was never forgotten. I pray for the family to draw on the strength of God to get thru this sad time. Ian was loved by so many people and we will miss him dearly.

Keeping family and friends in prayer. Always hold fond memories of all the good times shared.

To the Dial family I send my sincere condolences for the loss of your son, Ian Dial. I along with so many others have so many fond memories that we will cherish for years to come. Always know that we will keep you and your family in my prayers and may God continue to comfort you during the loss of your dear son and a man who was a friend to so many people.

My sympathy to the Dial family. Ian will truly be missed.
Stephanie Hunt WRHS Class of 1989

My prayers go out to Ian's family.

Ian was a great man . He always looked for good in people. I am very sorry for his family's loss. I never got the privilege of meeting his family by the man he became well done. My heart and thoughts go out to the family members in this time of sorrow. Your friend always he will be greatly missed 2002-2011.

Thanking God for sending me such a great friend. I will never forget the many crazy memories we made throughout the years. Ian Dial will always be part of who I am. The bond between Ian and his friends will never be broken. May God bless the Dial family in a mighty way. You will be in my prayers and I thank you all for raising such a great son! Goodbye Ian and thank you for all the joy and laughter you put in my life. West Robeson Class of '89 and College Friend

RIP Eain.

Dear Dial Family and Friends:
Please know that the hearts of many are with you, reaching out to sustain you during this sad time. We will never know why it is that those who have the greatest joy, the brightest future, the most loving heart and gentlest spirit are taken so young. Those of us who had the opportunity to know Ian are truly blessed by the memories we have of him. He was an outstanding student and a role model for so many others in the AIAI-Eastern Illinois University Medicine Shield Program. On May 7th, Ian was to receive the baccalaureate degree for which he worked so hard, from Eastern Illinois University. On that day, we will celebrate and honor Ian with a moment of prayer and a shout of jubilation as his diploma is awarded posthumously.

I will miss his warm and welcoming smile but I will always be grateful that Ian came into my life. Thank you for sharing this wonderful young man with us.
Dr. L Kaye Woodward

When thinking of Ian, I can't get his smile out of my mind. It was simply captivating! I enjoyed growing up with him in a wonderful church family at Bear Swamp. My heart goes out to all of the Dial families today, and the days to come. May God truly comfort you all as you remember your son, brother, cousin ,and friend.

Our prayers go out to the Dial family today. Ian was one of our favorite students at the AIAI- Eastern Illinois University- Medicine Shield Program. We will all miss him. He was loved and admired by all of us here in Chicago. His faith,caring spirit,and zest for learning placed him at the top of his class. Ian was to graduate in just three weeks. We wanted to be there and celebrate his accomplishments.We do that today with his family and friends. Thank you for sharing him with us if only for a little while. He was a proud Christian Lumbee,in mind and spirit. We are honored to have known him. You raised a beautiful son.
Dr. Dorene P. Wiese

Well always remember you....

"I sent the rain to rinse away your concerns
I sent the sun for the warmth of new beginnings
The clouds followed to cushion the change."
Blessings to the Dial family during this loss. Ian was a good friend to have who always made you laugh. WRSH '89

I met Ian during my college years at PSU. He was an amazing person who had a way of always making me smile. We had lots of good times together. I am so saddened that he is no longer with us. My prayers go out to his family. Heaven truly has gained another angel. Miss you Ian! Toria Martin PSU classmate and friend.

My prayers are with the Dial Family. Ian was a great friend and person. He will be greatly missed. Former classmate and graduate of the class of '89.

Giving my deepest sympathy.... Never a dull moment with Ian!! Your smile will be missed. c/o '89

Ian...when I heard of your passing...all I could remember and see was your smile...you had a way of smiling...it lit up a room and infected everyone whom knew you...my prayers are with your family...I am sure you will be missed by all who knew and loved you....RIP WRSH c/o '89...Michelle Locklear Dial

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this diffcult time. Class of 89

Thinking of the Dial family at this time.
Class of '89

May GOD bless you all in this difficult time; Love Virginia Dial Carter and her children; our Neighbors.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Dial family. Ian was a very friendly and nice guy. He will surely be missed.

What a blessing to have known Ian...we will miss his terrific smile and great personality. My thoughts and prayers are with the Dial family.

Angela Woods Dean (class of 89) Ramstein, Germany

My deepest sympathy to the Dial family...Ian will truly be missed

Kimberly Brooks Lowery WRSH Class of 1989

May God bless the family during this time of loss. Ian will be truly missed.